Scott Arniel named Jackets new head coach

[snipezo]

The Columbus Blue Jackets formally introduced Scott Arniel as their new head coach on Tuesday.

''Scott Arniel possesses all the qualities we were looking for in a head coach and we are very pleased to have him join the Blue Jackets organization," said general manager Scott Howson. "He played in the NHL for many years, was an assistant coach in the league and has been successful in developing young players. Scott has been one of the top coaches in the American Hockey League the past four years, averaging 45 wins and 99 points a season playing an attacking, up-tempo game."

The 47-year-old Arniel was the head coach of the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League for the past four seasons. He succeeds interim coach Claude Noel, who took over on Feb. 3 when Ken Hitchcock was fired.

I am extremely flattered and honoured to be the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and want to thank Scott and the organization for giving me this opportunity," said Arniel. "I've been impressed by a lot of what I see here. I see myself as a young coach and this is a young, talented team with great potential and I am ready to get to work."

Arniel takes over a young team that took a step backward a year ago after making its first trip to the NHL playoffs.

Arniel was offered the job Monday, shortly after it was turned down by Hamilton Bulldogs coach Guy Boucher. Other candidates included a third AHL coach, Kevin Dineen of Portland, and Noel.

Nice move by the Jackets. He did a nice job with the moose. He's really good with the young kids in the Manitoba. He'll do the same in Columbus.