(Saint John)-The Saint John Sea Dogs have announced the appointment of veteran coach Ross Yates as its new assistant bench boss.
 
Yates is a former head coach of the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey
League. He joined the Columbus Blue Jackets’ primary farm team in 2000-2001and
remained with the Crunch for ten years, including four as head coach.

Yates made his NHL debut with the Hartford Whalers in 1983-1984  before heading overseas to continue his playing career.

The Sea Dogs will open their 2012-13 regular season at Harbour Station on Thursday Sept. 20, against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.