Greyhounds extend Keefe's contract (Updated)

The Soo Greyhounds announced on Friday morning that the team has exercised the option on the contract of coach Sheldon Keefe.

The extension means Keefe is in place as the Greyhounds coach through the 2014-15 season.

“I am very excited that our ownership has given me the go ahead to exercise the option on Sheldon's contract for 2014-2015. Over Sheldon's time as our Head Coach in the regular season and the playoffs we saw our team playing a very strong puck possession style and performed at a winning percentage of over 62%. All of that was done with Sheldon having just two days of practice before his first game at Windsor on December 6th,” Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Dubas said in a release. “Sheldon and I have talked each day this off-season about the challenge ahead and how the two of us, along with Joe Cirella and our entire Hockey Operations team are going to ensure our program continues to strive towards out goal of long-term, sustained success.”

While behind the Greyhounds bench, Keefe posted a record of 23-12-1-3 in 39 games.

“I'm incredibly grateful for the confidence that General Manager Kyle Dubas and our ownership group have shown in my ability to develop the program over the next two seasons,” said Keefe in the release. “While that confidence helps make for an easier transition into Sault Ste. Marie for my young family it remains business as usual as I continue to be committed to maximizing every day to ensure we are prepared to build on the foundation we have worked to form over the last six months.”

Keefe joined the Greyhounds after a successful run with the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canadian League where he was involved in the coaching, management and ownership of the team.

On Thursday, it was announced that Keefe had sold the team to Dale McTavish, a former Lumber Kings player, who spent four seasons with the OHL’s Peterborough Petes before spending two seasons at St. Francis Xavier University. He played nine teams for the NHL’s Calgary Flames before continuing his career in Europe.