Atlanta hires Canfield as new head coach

May 24, 2016

The Atlanta Capitals of the NA3HL are proud to announce that Dennis Canfield has been hired as the organization’s new Head Coach.  

 

Canfield comes to Atlanta after spending the previous two seasons as the Head Coach & GM of the Forest Lake Lakers of the USPHL Midwest.  In two season’s time at Forest Lake, Canfield rebuilt the Lakers franchise compiling an overall record of 65-23-2. This past season the Lakers won the Western Conference Title with a record of 39-7-2 and advanced to the USPHL National Finals.  He was named a finalist for coach of the year in both seasons. 

 

Canfield is known for his attention to detail, player development and recruiting. He mentored numerous players including Coulee Region goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, this year’s 5th overall pick in the USHL draft (Sioux City).  Kivlenieks committed to Minnesota State Mankato for 2017-18 season and was the Lakers’ 2014-15 MVP before joining the Coulee Region Chill of the NAHL this past season.  2015-16 captain Brian Miller was named the USPHL Most Valuable Player & Forward of the Year (Nazareth College), and Zach Remers, who captained the team to start the season advanced to the NAHL Scranton Wilkes Barre Knights (Buffalo State College).

 

The Capitals are the NA3HL affiliate of the Topeka RoadRunners of the NAHL. The opportunity to work with the NAHL and an organization committed to player development that has a vertical player model was something that greatly appealed to the new coach. It was also a major factor in Canfield’s decision to accept the head coach position.  

 

“I’d personally like to thank owner Mr. Don Stone and GM Chris Powers for this opportunity. I’m very excited to join the Capitals and Roadrunners family.  Our facilities and player resources are second to none. It was a very logical fit for me. The organization is committed to the advancement of players in terms of call-ups (with 4 last season) and advancing players onto college hockey,” said Canfield. 

 

With the draft coming and the off season in full swing, Canfield has already started recruiting and is eager to get started.  “Expectations are high in Atlanta.  We have a very talented group of core players who are eligible to return. I look forward to working with them along with our tenders, future draft picks, and recruits.”