Halifax Mooseheads announce new head coach Andr Tourigny

After a two-week search, Halifax Mooseheadsmanagementannounced Monday the team has a new head coach.

AndrTourigny, a former NHL assistant coach,hassigned a five-year contract with the city's major junior hockey team. He's theninth head coach since the team wasfounded in 1994.

"Halifax is one of the top markets in the entire CHL. The fan base is outstanding and it's a wonderful city," Tourigny said in a statement released Monday.

"I like the direction the Mooseheads are heading. They have good young players, a lot of good picks at the upcoming draft and a tradition of excellence."

'We are thrilled'

AMooseheadsspokesperson saidTourignydoesn't have an official start date yet, but is expected to arrive in Halifax later thismonth.

On April 18, former coach Dominique Ducharme resigned. He wanted to be closer with his family, he said, and left the team on amicable terms with management.

Ducharmeleftthe team onthe eve ofthis year's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft. The Mooseheads havesix picks in the first two rounds of the draft.

In April, general manager Cam Russell said he respected Ducharme's decision.

He isexcited by Tourigny'strack record in the QMJHL.

"We are thrilled to be able to land a coach of Andr's experience and caliber," Russell said. "We're confident that under his leadership he'll help our young team take the next step."

Last week, Ducharmewas hired as both head coach and general manager of the DrummondvilleVoltigeurs.

Coaching record

Tourigny was head coach and general manager to Quebec'sRouyn-Noranda Huskies for 10 seasons. Under his lead, the Huskies had a winning record in seven of his 10 seasons.

From 2012 to 2015, he was assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche.

Last yearhe was hired by Ottawa, butwasone of four coachesto bedismissedby the Senators in April after what management called a disappointing 2015-2016 season.

The Quebec Major Hockey League draft is set to take place June 4 at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.