Vancouver Canucks hire Trent Cull to coach Utica Comets

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that Trent Cull will be the head coach of the Utica Comets, team’s AHL affiliate, for the 2017-18 season. Cull will be replacing Travis Green, who was promoted to head coach of the Canucks after Willie Desjardins was fired at the end of the season.

Cull spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach of the Syracuse Crunch, the AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Previously, Cull had been the head coach of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves for three seasons.

Cull’s former boss in Syracuse, general manager Julien BriseBois, spoke highly of him upon his departure.

“Right away, I was hit by his leadership, by his demeanor, his self-confidence,” said. “His work ethic over the years has been incredible.”

“Trent is a passionate head coach with significant AHL experience,” said Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning. “He understands the development path of a young player, including the challenges they face, and has been a part of many successful organizations. Trent is a teacher with a positive, energetic work ethic. We’re excited to welcome him and his family to our organization.”