Amherst – The Amherst CIBC Wood Gundy Jr A Ramblers are pleased to announce that Doug Doull has been named the team’s new Head Coach and Assistant General Manager.
Doull, a 45-year-old native of Glace Bay, NS, has an extensive hockey background having played professional hockey for over nine years and having coached at various levels including the CIS, ECHL, the American Hockey League and also with Hockey Canada. Most recently, Doull was the head coach of the Pictou Jr A Crushers for the last four seasons winning the MHL Championship in 2016.
“I’m looking forward to getting started with the Ramblers. This is a terrific franchise with a proud history and community support. I’ve always had an interest in the organization as my mother and family are from just down the road in Oxford and spend my summers in Port Howe.” Doull said just before the head coaching announcement.
“Being able to stay close to home and continue to develop as a coach is something I’m grateful for. Junior player development has been a passion of mine since JF Damphousse and Jeff LeBlanc brought me into Dieppe 7 years ago. “
Looking at the season ahead, Doull knows there will be new faces after hosting FPC.
“As for the season ahead, there is quite a turnover having hosted the Fred Page Cup. But it was an invaluable experience for returning players. I can tell you the Rambler program will not be an easy program to play in. Amherst will be a terrific destination for players who appreciate that fact, as well as the development aspect. We want our players to continue to be proud of town and program and become our best recruiters.”
President Gary Brown was happy to be adding another winner to the organization.
“We are very happy to have Doug join the organization. He is a proven winner both as a player and as a coach. The experience he brings will keep pushing this program to be one of the top in the country,” said Gary Brown, President of the Ramblers.
Doull’s playing career including two stints in the NHL with the Washington Capitals (05-06) and the Boston Bruins (03-04). Over the course of his pro career he also played with the Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs organizations winning the AHL’s Calder Cup in 2001 and 2006.
The Ramblers also announce Jeff LeBlanc will continue his role as General Manager.
“Jeff stepped down as head coach due to family reasons but expressed interest in coming back as General Manager. Doug and Jeff previously worked together for three seasons in Dieppe making the finals twice, winning once, as an executive we thought it would be a good fit moving forward,” Brown added.
General Manager Jeff LeBlanc said it’s nice to have Doull on the Ramblers side.
“I’m excited to be working with Doug again. He’s a winner, competitor, and someone I trust a great deal. Doug will instantly fit with the organization, players and the fans. Happy he’s on our side,” LeBlanc said
With their GM and Head Coach now set for next season, the Ramblers will continue to look for a Physio/Athletic Trainor, Assistant Equipment Manager and two assistant coaches. If you are interested in any of these positions please send your resume to Jeff.leblanc.ramblers@gmail.com.
Last season’s assistants won’t be returning. Pat Leger took another job with a local minor hockey team and will continue to do NB scouting for the team. Colin Circelli recently received full-time employment with the Province of NB and can’t make it work with a small family. We’d like to thank both Pat and Colin for everything they’ve done for the Ramblers program over the last four years.
*Release via Amherst Ramblers