Kevin Dineen Hired As Gulls Head Coach

Photo: Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that Kevin Dineen was hired as the new San Diego Gulls head coach.

Dineen is a familiar face to the organization as he spent six seasons as head coach of the Portland Pirates (AHL) from 2005-11. The Pirates were the Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate from 2005 through 2008. During that time the team went 135-76-29 with two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals (2005, 2008) under Dineen. In total, he coached 480 games in Portland with a record of 266-155-59.

Florida Panthers (2011-13)

In his first season as the head coach in Florida, Dineen led the team to their first Southeast Division Title in franchise history. This was the Panthers’ first post-season appearance in 12 years. The Panthers were eliminated in the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs to the New Jersey Devils in seven games. On November 8, 2013, the Panthers fired Dineen after a poor start in the 2013-14 season.

Team Canada (2013-14)

Dineen then became the coach for Team Canada. He led the Canadian women’s national team to a gold medal at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and Canada’s men’s national team to bronze at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship.

Chicago Blackhawks (2014-18)

On July 14th, 2014, Dineen was named as an assistant coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. He worked alongside head coach Joel Quenneville, who had been his teammate for six seasons when they both played for the Hartford Whalers. Dineen won his first Stanley Cup on June 15th, 2015th in Chicago. On November 6, 2018, Quenneville along with Dineen and assistant coach Ulf Samuelsson were fired.

Playing Career

Dineen was selected by Hartford in the third round (56th overall) of the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. Dineen recorded 760 total points(355 G + 405 A) and 2,229 penalty minutes in 1,188 career games with Hartford, Philadelphia, Carolina, Ottawa and Columbus. Dineen also appeared in 59 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Whalers, Flyers, and Hurricanes, recording 41 total points (23 G + 18 A).

Will Dineen Be Successful In San Diego?

Executive Vice President/General Manager brought in Dineen because he thinks will be a good fit to follow Dallas Eakins. “Kevin brings more than 30 years of valuable experience as a player and coach in professional hockey,” Murray said. “We are committed to continue a winning tradition in San Diego, and Kevin will help the organization achieve those goals.”

Dineen had this to say about his return to the organization, “I’m thrilled to return to the Anaheim Ducks organization and join one of the flagship franchises in the American Hockey League. Player development has always been a priority in the organization, and it was with great satisfaction to see so many AHL players go on to win the Stanley Cup in 2007. I look forward to continue a culture of developing NHL players here in San Diego.”

Dineen has had some ups and downs in his coaching career. He has a huge task ahead of himself in San Diego, especially if most of the players make the jump to the NHL come this season. The Ducks didn’t pick up any big name players at the NHL level in free agency. They did re-sign some key players like Ryan Miller, Derek Grant, Chase De Leo, and Korbinian Holzer. However, in order for the Ducks to be competitive next season, they are going to have to rely on players like Max Comtois, Jacob Larsson, Isac Lundestrom, Max Jones, Troy Terry, and Sam Steel. With most of these players and others likely seeing significant time in Anaheim next season, Dineen could have his work cut out for him in San Diego.

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July 15th, 2019