New coach for Flint

A new bench boss is in place for the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.

Ted Dent has been named head coach of the Firebirds.

The 51-year old Dent replaces Eric Wellwood, who recently resigned his position with the Michigan-based OHL team.

“Ted brings a strong work ethic and the dedication we need as we strive for continued success here in Flint,” relayed Firebirds president of hockey operations Terry Christensen.

Dent brings plenty of experience in the game to Flint.

To be sure, Dent spent 11 seasons with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. He started as the IceHogs assistant coach in 2006 before being promoted to head coach in 2011, a position he held for the next six years. 

During his time in Rockford, Dent coached and helped to develop several players who would assist the parent Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League win three Stanley Cups.

“My experience in the AHL was great,” said Dent. “I got to help develop, mentor and coach young, professional athletes to help them achieve their goal of making the NHL.”

After leaving Rockford, Dent became the associate coach of the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs for the 2017-2018 season before becoming a pro scout for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that (Flint owner) Rolf (Nilsen) and Terry (Christensen) are providing me,” said Dent. “I get to bring my experience and passion for the game to the Flint community to help develop these young players on and off the ice. I’m excited to get started and to maintain all the continued success here in Flint.”

Dent played Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association hockey at St. Lawrence University from 1988 to 1992. He spent the next four years playing at the minor pro level and subsequently got into coaching.