Ottawa Senators Extend AHL Head Coach Troy Mann
The other half of the prized “Mann” brothers has extended his stay within the organization for another two years
Announced on June 22nd via the Ottawa Senators communications account on Twitter, the team is bringing back the right Mann for the job.
News Release: The #Sens have signed @BellevilleSens head coach Troy Mann to a two-year contract extension: https://t.co/tbaE3UP3Ks pic.twitter.com/9GXqimqOxh
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) June 22, 2021
In past years when Belleville or Binghamton used to sign/extend head coaches nobody would bat an eye, now with the upward progression of the organization and exceptional player development, Mann has taken on a large role. This past season the bench boss in Belleville helped progress Senators top prospects Egor Sokolov, Lassi Thomson, Angus Crookshank, Ridly Greig among many others. Ever since Mann was hired prior to the 2018-19 season, the organization has seemingly put more effort into their farm team and with a coach the pedigree of man it was the perfect storm.
It’s not just this season where Mann has received praise, he was instrumental in developing Drake Batherson, Josh Norris, Nick Paul, Alex Formenton, and Erik Brannstrom, all of who are key contributors on the big club now.
For a franchise that was struggling to gain traction in the AHL and seemed to be caught in a valley, Mann would turn them around in his first three seasons compiling a cumulative record of 90-67-14, well over 0.500. Having a coach that has an extensive track record of grooming players dating back to his days in Hershey, the Senators should feel thankful to have the luxury of having an elite coach in Belleville.
Also, it appears coach Mann has taken kindly to Senators 28th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft Ridly Greig, as he praised the 19-year-old forward when asked if he would be best served to spend next season in the AHL.
"A player like Ridly has nothing left to prove in the WHL and September will tell us whether he could potentially play in the NHL. Based on my experience with him, he would benefit from a season in the AHL, much like Perfetti in Manitoba." 2/2 #BSens #Sens
— David Foot (@FootyOnTheAir) June 23, 2021
Allowing Greig the opportunity to spend a full season in the AHL with Mann would be invaluable to his development rather than spending another season dominating the Western Hockey League. These kind words go a long way with young prospects and the professionalism and honestly Mann presents himself with undoubtedly goes a long way in the locker room.