The Niagara IceDogs have announced a series of organizational changes following the completion of a comprehensive review led by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
As part of the changes, Owner and Governor Darren DeDobbelaer will step back from the day-to-day operations of both the hockey and business sides of the organization. Current General Manager Wes Consorti will transition to a new role serving as the executive liaison between Mr. DeDobbelaer and the club’s operational leadership.
Additionally, Head Coach Ben Boudreau was relieved of his duties, while the contracts of Assistant Coaches Dan Paille and Marc Slawson were not renewed.
Boudreau is of course son of former NHL Coach of the Year, and current IceDogs Senior Advisor Bruce Boudreau.
Paille, a Welland native and former NHL Stanley Cup Champion with the Boston Bruins, left a coaching job with the NCAA Canisius Golden Griffins to return home to Niagara.
“I’m incredibly proud to own the Niagara IceDogs and be able to have this great franchise compete in the Ontario Hockey League,” said Darren DeDobbelaer. “While this season brought several challenges, our focus remains on building a positive and stable environment for our players, staff, and fans. These changes are part of our commitment to ensuring long-term success both on and off the ice. We sincerely thank Coach Boudreau, Dan Paille, and Marc Slawson for their dedication and for helping guide the team to its first playoff appearance since 2019.”
Neither Boudreau or Paille couldn’t be reached for comments.
In collaboration with the OHL, the IceDogs will immediately begin the search for a new General Manager and coaching staff to lead the organization into its next chapter. Wes Consorti will remain the team’s interim General Manager until a new General Manager is appointed.
A further statement from the OHL was obtained by The Niagara Independent:
“Findings from a cultural review of the Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club led by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) led to the determination that changes to the organization’s hockey and business operations would be necessary for the franchise to move forward in a new direction.
The OHL will work collaboratively with the IceDogs to identify a General Manager and coaching staff to lead the organization’s next chapter, establishing a Players First culture and environment while giving fans of the Niagara region a team they can be proud of.”
Whoever steps into the role of general manager and head coach will take over a team with NHL projected draft pick from this season in forward Ethan Czata, and 2026 draft eligible Ryan Roobroeck who led the IceDogs in scoring this past season.
Both Czata and Roobroeck captured gold for Team Canada at the U18 World Hockey Championships in Texas last month.
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.
