The Abbotsford Canucks have finalized their hockey operations staff for the 2024-25 American Hockey League season, bringing in new talent and promoting from within the organization. On Wednesday, General Manager Ryan Johnson announced the addition of Harry Mahesh as Assistant Coach, Andrew Shaw as Video Coach, and Ross MacEluch as Assistant Athletic Therapist. Mahesh, a Vanderhoof, B.C. native, joins Abbotsford after a year with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs as a Coaching Development Associate. This marks his first coaching position in the AHL. Mahesh’s experience includes serving as Assistant Coach for the BCHL’s Powell River Kings and as both General Manager and Head Coach for the MJHL’s Winnipeg Freeze. Notably, Mahesh made history as the first General Manager of South Asian descent in Canadian Junior A hockey when hired by the Freeze in 2021. Shaw, making his professional hockey debut, steps into the role of Video Coach for Abbotsford after a five-year tenure with the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs. The Chilliwack, B.C. native held multiple positions with the Chiefs, including Associate Coach, Assistant Coach, and Video Coach. MacEluch, a Vancouver native, transitions to a full-time role with the Canucks after assisting the team’s medical staff with injury assessment and return-to-play protocols since 2022. A Camosun College’s Athletic and Exercise Therapy program graduate, MacEluch began his hockey career with the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express in 2018.
In addition to the new hires, Johnson confirmed the promotion of Nathan Wong to Head Athletic Therapist. Strength & Conditioning Coach John Murray, Head Equipment Manager Ramandeep “Chico” Dhanjal, and Assistant Equipment Manager Shingo Sasaki will also return for the upcoming season.
“I am very pleased with the new hires we have made, as well as the makeup of our entire staff as a whole,” said Johnson, emphasizing the positive changes within the organization. He expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, noting that fans should be excited about the direction the club is headed.
The Abbotsford Canucks open their 2024-25 AHL season with a refreshed staff and high expectations for the year ahead. They begin their season with four road games, with their opening two contests in Calgary versus the Wranglers on Fri., Oct. 11 and Sun., Oct. 13.
