The Prince Edward Island Rocket on Tuesday afternoon announced that they have named Mr. Gordie Dwyer as the clubs new Head Coach. Dwyer takes over from Eric Lavigne who stepped down as the Rocket head coach on April 6.

Dwyer was the Head Coach & Associate Director of Hockey Operations for the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League since the 2009-2010 season.

“We targeted Gordie to be our new head coach and feel he is the right person to lead our team at the present time. He is very passionate about hockey and we are excited to have him as part of the Rocket family”. said Rocket General Manager Serge Savard.

This season under Dwyer, the Western Capitals had a record of 36-12-1-3 good enough for 2nd place in the Roger Meek division. The Western Capitals went on to win the Kent Cup which is the Maritime Junior Hockey League's biggest prize.

"I'm very passionate and have tremendous respect for the game of hockey and the great people involved with it. I look forward to opportunity of leading the Island's Major Junior franchise while developing our young talent and connecting with our community." said Mr. Dwyer at the press conference, Tuesday in Charlottetown PE.

Dwyer during his playing years, played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Hull Olympiques,  Laval Titan College Francais,  Beauport Harfangs, Drummondville Voltigeurs & the Quebec Remparts.

During his time in the NHL, the native of Dalhousie, NB played with the  Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers & the Montreal Canadiens.