For Immediate Release
Monday, May 31, 2010

St. Catharines, ON - The Niagara IceDogs are pleased to announce the signing of Marty Williamson as General Manager and Head Coach to a five year contract.  Williamson joins the IceDogs following a six year stint with the Barrie Colts.

Williamson, who resigned from the Colts earlier this month, had an impressive track record in Barrie.  He led the Colts to two Central Division titles and a berth in the OHL Championship Series earlier this month.  The Colts qualified for the playoffs each year during Williamson’s tenure as head coach.  The Colts were eliminated from the playoffs five of the six years by the team that eventually went on to play for or win the OHL Championship. 

Williamson is currently ranked 4th among active coaches in winning percentage.  Only Dale Hunter (London - .704), Bob Boughner (Windsor - .658) and Mike Velucci (Plymouth - .645) have a higher winning percentage than Williamson (.623).

 “The IceDogs are starting a new chapter in Niagara and it begins with Marty Williamson leading the charge”, said Bill Burke.  “Marty is a true professional and with his credentials, the future looks very promising on the ice for many years to come.”

The IceDogs will be holding an orientation day in June, which will give the IceDogs players and their families an opportunity to meet the new General Manager and Head Coach.

Marty Williamson - Coaching Record
YEAR    CLUB    GP    W    L    T    OTL/SL    PTS    FINISH
2004-05    Barrie Colts    68    33    23    9    3    78    2nd (Central)
2005-06    Barrie Colts    68    43    21        4    90    2nd (Central)
2006-07    Barrie Colts    68    48    19        1    97    1st (Central)
2007-08    Barrie Colts    68    28    34        6    62    4th (Central)
2008-09    Barrie Colts    68    30    33        5    65    3rd (Central
2009-10    Barrie Colts    68    57    9        2    116    1st (Central)
    Career Totals    408    239    139    9    21    508    Pct. .623

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David Frizzell
Executive Vice President
Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club
d.frizzell@niagaraicedogs.net