Troy Mann...Head Coach

Mann Hired as New Head Coach

COLUMBIA, SC (May 18, 2006) – The Columbia Inferno announced today that Troy Mann has been hired as the new Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, becoming the third coach in the organization’s history. Mann will assume all duties of the head coach immediately, as Ted Dent leaves to pursue new opportunities.

“Troy has been working hard towards becoming a head coach, and we believe that he has the expertise and enthusiasm to tackle his first head coaching job,” said Ezra Riber, President of Hockey Operations. “I see him making the very most of this opportunity.”

Mann came to Columbia as the assistant coach for the 2005-06 season. Prior to his stint with the Inferno, he was the assistant coach for the Topeka Tarantulas of the Central Hockey League including interim head coach for 15 games during the 2004-05 season.

“I am grateful to the Inferno owners and organization for giving me this opportunity to become their new Head Coach. I have been preparing since the spring of 1998 working towards a coaching career,” said Troy Mann. “In addition, my experience in the last three years as an assistant coach has prepared me for the next step. I look forward to building on the young core group of players that we have returning for the upcoming season. My goal is to bring the Inferno Hockey Club back to the playoffs, a place very familiar to the organization.”

In his eleven years of playing hockey, the New Brunswick native is no stranger to the ECHL. He was the first player to ever sign with the Mississippi SeaWolves in 1996. He also won the Kelly Cup in 1998-99 with the SeaWolves. Other ECHL teams Mann has played for is the Hampton-Roads Admirals, Tallahassee Tiger Sharks and the Jackson Bandits. He also saw action in the Central Hockey League, United Hockey League and Sweden