Latest news with #MemorialCup-host

Ottawa Citizen

QMJHL: Charlottetown Islanders re-sign hockey operations staff

Jim Hulton is thrilled about the opportunity to continue leading the Charlottetown Islanders in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Article content Article content The Islanders announced Hulton, the team's general manager and head coach, has signed a 'multi-year contract extension' in a media release issued on May 21. Article content Also, the Islanders announced that associate coach and assistant general manager Guy Girouard, assistant coach Kevin Henderson, athletic therapist Devin Atkin, and equipment manager Andrew (Spider) MacNeill have also signed new contracts. Article content Article content 'We are really excited to be able to continue the work we have done,' Hulton told The Guardian in a phone interview. 'I think we've had disappointment the last couple of seasons, but we knew a few years ago when we embarked on an ambitious load-up that there was going to be some tougher years ahead. Article content Article content 'It's easy to say, but it's nice ownership has supported us through that. We don't have to look around too many places to see the opposite reactions sometimes when things don't necessarily go according to plan. Article content 'I think there's a belief amongst our staff and ownership that we are heading in the right direction. It's exciting to be able to get to continue on that path.' Article content After advancing to the 2022 QMJHL championship series, the Islanders have been going through a rebuilding process. The Islanders completed the 2024-25 regular season in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30-29-4-1 (won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses). Article content Article content The Islanders, who have been swept in the opening round of the playoffs the last three years, were eliminated this year by league-finalist and Memorial Cup-host Rimouski Oceanic. Article content Article content Now, the Islanders are optimistic the team is ready to take the next step in the upcoming season. Article content 'We have worked really hard as a staff to create a good chemistry,' said Hulton, who was recently inducted into his hometown Kingston District Hall of Fame as a hockey builder. 'We all get along really well, and everybody has their respective roles that they manage and look after. Article content 'A big part of me agreeing to come back was knowing we'd all be back together.'