WESTVILLE ROAD, N.S. –
The Junior A Crushers have hired Mike Danton as their new head coach.
The 38-year-old replaces Doug Doull, who resigned in April after four seasons with the team. You can read about that here and here.
Danton, born in Brampton, Ont., played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) winning a league championship and competing in the finals of the 2000 Memorial Cup. Danton was drafted in the fifth round by the New Jersey Devils and played parts of four seasons with the Devils and St. Louis Blues.
In the mid-2000s, he served five years in prison for conspiring to murder his former agent, but has since turned his life around. He graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a double major in psychology and criminology and helped the SMU Huskies win their only national championship in men’s hockey.
Following his university career, Danton spent six seasons in Europe and North America as a player-coach, while getting his degree and raising a family.
Currently, Danton and his wife Nancy live in the Halifax area with their three children. He has just completed his first year as a Master’s Student in Sports Psychology at the University of New Brunswick.
Crushers co-owner Scott Burden says hiring Danton was an easy decision.
“Mike and I have spoken at great lengths about his past – hockey and personal – and it is refreshing to see how far this man has come,” says Burden. “Mike’s ability to overcome adversity in his personal life, coupled with his work ethic, tenacity and knowledge for hockey, make (him) an extremely valuable asset.”
In a news release, Danton said is grateful and excited for the opportunity.
“I appreciate the opportunity that Scott, Bruce and Pictou County have offered me,” says Danton.
“I have worked relentlessly for everything I have, and I owe all of that to second chances and supportive people. I am excited to get started and instill an environment that will be well-received by the fans and successful within the dressing room.”
Next up for the Crushers is the Maritime Hockey League draft in Edmundston, N.B. on June 13-15.
