IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray announced the club’s coaching staff led by newly appointed Head Coach Jake Grimes.
Joining Grimes behind the bench are Associate Coach Dennis Martindale, Assistant Coach Jeff Wagner and returning Goaltending Coach Ryan Ludzik.
“Jake Grimes is a coach who has had tremendous success throughout the years at various levels, including helping Saginaw win the Memorial Cup just two years ago,” said DeGray. “He’s a coach who knows what it takes to win while creating an environment where players want to come to the rink every day and commit to playing defence and winning hockey games. We feel very fortunate to bring a coach like Jake on board and look forward to watching him and the rest of the staff build this group. Welcome to the region.”
Grimes brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to Niagara, with previous stops at Dalhousie University, the Strathroy Rockets, London Nationals, Belleville Bulls, Peterborough Petes, Guelph Storm, Cape Breton Eagles, University of Waterloo, Saginaw Spirit and University of Guelph.
Internationally, he represented Team Ontario at the Hockey Canada Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, capturing three gold medals and one silver medal. His Ontario Hockey League résumé includes a J. Ross Robertson Cup championship with the Guelph Storm in 2019 and a Memorial Cup championship with the Saginaw Spirit in 2024.
Before entering coaching, Grimes played three seasons with the Belleville Bulls, recording 206 points in 198 career OHL games. He was twice voted the Eastern Conference’s Best Defensive Forward and Best Checker in the OHL Coaches Poll before playing professionally in the American Hockey League with the New Haven Senators and Prince Edward Island Senators.
“This is a special day for me to be announced as head coach of the Niagara IceDogs,” said Grimes. “I’ve been fortunate to spend 17 years coaching and three years playing in this great league. I’ve coached in seven conference finals and three Memorial Cup tournaments, and I’m excited for the opportunity to begin this next chapter in Niagara.”
Throughout his coaching career, Grimes has helped develop nearly 100 players who have advanced to the National Hockey League, including P.K. Subban, Ryan O’Reilly, Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Nick Suzuki, Michael Misa and former IceDogs Andrew Agozzino, Freddie Hamilton, Mark Visentin, Ryan Strome and Dougie Hamilton.
Martindale joins the IceDogs following four seasons as an assistant coach with the Barrie Colts. Prior to Barrie, he spent two seasons with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and also coached in Germany after a seven-year professional playing career in Europe.
“I’m really excited about this group,” said Martindale. “I’m going to bring my experience as best I can to help us have success. I’ve been fortunate to work with some outstanding players and coaches over the years, and I’m looking forward to getting started in Niagara.”
Wagner arrives after nine seasons with the Coquitlam Express organization. During his tenure, he served in a variety of coaching and management roles, including Associate Coach, Director of Scouting, Interim Head Coach, Head Coach and Assistant General Manager. He is widely recognized for his player development, leadership and hockey operations experience.
Ludzik returns for his second consecutive season as the club’s Goaltending Coach after previously serving in the same role from 2015-19. His coaching résumé also includes the Brock University men’s and women’s hockey programs and the St. Catharines Falcons.
“I’m excited to return to the IceDogs and be part of this new chapter,” said Ludzik. “We have a great group in place, and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with the goalies.”
A former OHL goaltender with the Erie Otters, Windsor Spitfires and Niagara Falls Canucks, Ludzik also played professionally before transitioning into coaching. He has helped develop several professional goaltenders, including Alex Nedeljkovic, Dylan Wells and Connor Ungar.
“Thank you to Dale DeGray for the opportunity,” added Grimes. “I can’t wait to meet our players, staff and all of our fans across Dog Country. My wife and I are excited to relocate to Niagara and get to work.”
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
