August 16, 2010

Imperial native Kris Knoblauch was recently promoted as head coach of the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Knoblauch becomes the fifth head coach in the franchise's history and has signed a two-year contract with a club option for a third year. He replaces Mark Holick, who was named head coach of the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League.

"After going through the numerous applicants for the head coaching position the decision to promote Kris was ultimately an easy one as he has been with the Hockey Club for three years (as an assistant coach) and has worked in the WHL for the past four years. The philosophy of our organization is to hire and promote from within wherever possible. Kris is very familiar with our returning group of players which will make the transition from assistant to head coach that much easier," said Jeff Chynoweth, team general manager.

Knoblauch said it was a goal to someday be a head coach in the WHL.

"To be named as bench boss for an organization that gave me an opportunity and has moved on as many coaches as they have to professional hockey is definitely a huge honour. I look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead, but know the foundation is definitely in place to continue on with the winning tradition," Knoblauch said.

Knoblauch, 31, was born and raised in Imperial and is the son of Bob and Holly Knoblauch. Kris and his wife Autumn have a two-year-old son, Marek.
Knoblauch played three seasons in the WHL and was a member of both the Edmonton (1997-1998) and Kootenay Ice (1998-1999) organizations. He also played with the Red Deer Rebels (1996-1997) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (1998-1999).

Upon graduating from the WHL he went on to play for five years at the University of Alberta and was a member of the 1999-2000 Golden Bears team that won the CIS Championship. Knoblauch achieved a Bachelor of Education degree from the U of A. Prior to joining the Ice, he was an assistant coach with the Prince Albert Raiders for one season (2006-2007).

By Tara de Ryk
August 16, 2010

CRAIK—This week Chris and Stacey Neiszner will start building a life in Red Deer, where Chris, 26, has joined the staff of the Red Deer Rebels.

Neiszner, who is the son of Ray and Debbie Neiszner of Craik, was hired as an assistant coach with the WHL franchise.

Neiszner, a right shooting centre, played for the Rebels from 2001 to 2005. He won the Rebels Player's Player award in 2004.

The Rebels have a tradition of bringing in alumni to fill coaching positions.

Head coach Jesse Wallin, a North Battleford native, spent four years (1994-1998) playing for the Rebels as did assistant coach Bryce Thoma, who hails from Saskatoon.

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