After now-former head coach Roy Sommer retired at the end of the 2022-23 season, the San Diego Gulls, an AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have now found their head coaching replacement. Matt McIlvane will be brought in as the fifth coach in franchise history, recently enjoying the same role for EC Red Bull Salzburg of the ICE Hockey League in Austria. Before working as a head coach in Austria, McIlvane was an assistant coach for EHC Munchen of the DEL, Germany’s professional hockey league.
Coaching for Salzburg, McIlvane racked up a total record of 94-42-22-19 in four seasons, and also posted an incredible postseason record, leading his team to a 31-8 mark behind the bench. Salzburg was able to win back-to-back championships the last two seasons under the leadership of McIlvane. When asked about the head coaching hire, the General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, Pat Verbeek, said, “Matt brings a winning pedigree to our organization in addition to a strong culture of development and performance. Our players in San Diego will benefit from his leadership, philosophy, and his championship experience in Europe and the international level.”
McIlvane was also excited to return to North America; when asked about joining the Ducks organization, McIlvane said, “I am humbled to be the next coach of the San Diego Gulls. I am incredibly grateful to Pat Verbeek for the trust to take on this responsibility. The Samueli family runs a first-class organization, and it is an honor to join the hockey club. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the management, staff, and players. We are ready for the challenge to develop Ducks prospects into NHL players and give the fans at Pechanga Arena San Diego an exciting team to cheer for.”
Over the last couple of seasons, the Gulls have been unable to post a winning record. During the 2021-22 season, the Gulls posted a record of 28-33-7, losing in the preliminary round to the Ontario Reign in two games. This season, performance continued to decline in San Diego, finishing 10th in the AHL’s Pacific Division after going 20-49-3. In McIlvane’s hiring, the Ducks organization is clearly looking for someone to procure the next generation of NHL talent in Anaheim, as well as returning the Gulls to the postseason.
A good hire!