Islanders relieve Dwyer of coaching duties

Gordie Dwyer. Photo by Darrell Theriault. 

The Charlottetown Islanders have relieved head coach Gordie Dwyer of his coaching duties effective immediately, the team announced today.

Dwyer spent four season behind the Islanders bench posting a 116-156 (won-lost) record in 272 regular season games. In 20 playoff games, Dwyer posted a 6-16 record.

The Islanders finished ninth overall this season with a 35-28-1-4 record and won their first playoff series in 11 years against the Sherbrooke Phoenix in six games. Charlottetown was then eliminated in four games to Quebec in the second round.

In a team release, Islanders General Manager Grant Sonier thanked Dwyer for his commitment and dedication to the team over the past four seasons.

“He is a tireless worker who came to the rink every day with a professional approach and has set the standards for this franchise.”

The Islanders will immediately begin to look for a new head coach for the upcoming 2015-16 season.

Sonier said there are high expectations for next season.

“This team is ready to take the next step. We believe as an organization that we have the right group of players and are anticipating a long playoff run next season.”

Sonier is confident the Islanders will yield a level of success the franchise has yet to see.

“The decision to hand the reigns over to a new head coach is one I felt had to be done in order to get the most out of this group.”