MacDougall returning to Panthers coaching staff

A familiar face is back with the UPEI Panthers men's hockey team's coaching staff.

Head coach Forbes MacPherson has added Kenny MacDougall to fill the void left by Brad MacKenzie's decision to join the Charlottetown Islanders.

MacDougall coached with the Panthers for two seasons before taking a step back two years ago. He had accepted a new role as principal of Stratford Elementary School, had a young family and other irons in the fire.

But he is anxious to rejoin the squad and help build on the success the team has had.

"I'm looking forward to working with those guys I coached before and also the stable of new recruits that Forbie has been able to bring in this year," he said.

MacDougall has 20 years of coaching experience in various levels, including with Team Atlantic, at the Canada Games, junior A, senior, semi-pro and university.

"I think my greatest attribute is I am a good communicator," he said.

With 20 years of teaching experience, MacDougall said, he has an ability to build a rapport with players and help them improve their game.

As a player, MacDougall described himself as a hard-working forward.

"Everybody has to find a role, and I think that was my role when I played," he said. "I think that's the same type of work ethic, intensity and even charisma, that I bring to coaching."

He played senior hockey with Ron Carragher and will now be an assistant coach with Ron's son, Mark, who he coached in the Sherwood minor hockey program.

His relationship with MacPherson goes back even further. The two have been friends since attending Glen Stewart Elementary School.

They are also business partners in Promac Hockey and the Charlottetown Pride major midget team.

MacPherson said adding MacDougall was a no-brainer.

"He's a real character," he said. "Kenny brings a lot of energy and life to the coaching staff. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the game."

The roles and responsibilities will be determined later, but an area that will have to be addressed is analytics.

"That's something we don't want to lose," MacPherson said. "That's something that Brad brought to the table. Analytics has become a big part of our game."

He said it is important to have the numbers, but equally important to use them appropriately to paint a complete picture.

The team is probably going to look at bringing someone on board to help with video and analytics.

MacDougall lives in Stratford with his wife, Alison, 13-year-old son Riley and 10-year-old daughter Ella.

On Friday, Aug. 5, the Panthers will be hosting a hot stove lounge that will include San Jose Sharks right-winger Joel Ward, a Panthers alumnus. More details will be released in the near future.