John Kennedy Jr will make the transition from the ice to the bench this Australian Ice Hockey League season as head coach of the Newcastle Northstars.
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Kennedy, a defenceman with the Northstars for the past six years, will take the helm of Newcastle's AIHL team in 2019, assisted by returning coaches Joe Theriault and Ray Sheffield.
"It's an amazing honour to have been considered for the role and to actually get it, it's incredible," Kennedy said.
"With an organisation like the Northstars we're expected to win. We're expected to be one of the top four teams going into the finals each year. Our aim this year is getting back to that level of play that we know we're capable of, which we've already started working on.
"Not only am I here to coach but I'm here to grow and develop players and grow and develop talent. I think that's my strength as a coach. I have a deep hockey background. I plan to use my experience, use my resources and apply it to the team."
Kennedy, who was born in the United States, first joined the Northstars as an import in 2013. He is now an Australian citizen.
Aside from having played hockey for most of his life, Kennedy is a professional skill development coach specialising in power skating, shooting, puck skills and leadership. He offers his development services through the National Sport Academy (NSA) of which he is a director.
Northstars general manager Garry Doré said Kennedy's expertise in training and development made him a top choice when it came to selecting a new coach in the off season.
"John was approached in the off season as we felt with his expertise in training and development and his hockey skills as a player... would be a great asset to the coaching staff," Doré said.
"We're looking to bring a lot of direction to the team this season. I have no doubt that John with Joey and Ray beside him we will achieve our goals for the season and will continue to be the most successful organisation in Australian ice hockey."
"With John, Joey and Ray leading the team I'm quite confident we're going to be a force to be reckoned with this season."
Kennedy said he is now focusing on the "task at hand" and is enjoying working with Theriault and Sheffield in pre-season training.
"I've only worked with Joey really for a few weeks but he's phenomenal to work with. He bleeds Northstars hockey," he said.
"Ray and his experience and his rapport with the boys is great and he carries a lot of wisdom both on and off the ice."
The Northstars, who picked up a new naming sponsor in the off season, Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy, will open the 2019 AIHL season with a double header against Sydney Bears and Melbourne Ice at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on April 27 and April 28.
