Kevin Dineen named second head coach in San Diego Gulls history

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that Kevin Dineen will be the second head coach in the San Diego Gulls AHL history, succeeding Dallas Eakins.

“Kevin brings more than 30 years of valuable experience as a player and coach in professional hockey,” General Manager Bob Murray said of the hire. “We are committed to continue a winning tradition in San Diego, and Kevin will help the organization achieve those goals.”

Dineen spent four seasons as an assistant coach under Joel Quenneville for the Chicago Blackhawks, including their 2014-2015 Stanley Cup run.

The new Gulls bench boss has a history with the Ducks organization. He served as head coach of the Portland Pirates from 2005-2011 when it was the AHL affiliate of the Ducks. He brought the team to the Eastern Conference Finals during his tenure. Notably, he coached Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan on these teams before they made the jump to the NHL permanently.

The 50-year-old also had success as the head coach of the 2014 Olympic Gold Medal-winning Canadian Women’s National Team. Additionally, Dineen was the head coach of the Florida Panthers from 2011-2013.

As a player, Dineen tallied 760 points (355G, 405A) over 1,188 gamed with the Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Gulls, much like their parent club, will welcome a new coach in a time of transition. With so many key pieces of last year’s squad either making the jump to the NHL or close to it, Dineen will be tasked with ensuring that one of the AHL’s most popular teams remains competitive and retains a good reputation for player development.