Former Axeman Chiasson joins Acadia Hockey Coaching staff

Chiasson returns following youth hockey development position with Pittsburgh

story courtesy of acadiau.ca

Michael ChaissonWOLFVILLE, N.S. – Former Hockey Axeman Michael Chiasson will replace the departing Travis Young as the new assistant head coach for the Acadia men’s hockey program. Acadia University and head coach Darren Burns announced the news of Chiasson joining the Axemen in the coming weeks prior to the start of the Acadia Summer Hockey Camps in early August.
Chiasson, a native of Cole Harbour, N.S., was a goaltender for the Axemen from 2007 to 2011 and became a manager of youth hockey programs with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL in the fall of 2011. Chiasson spent the last year and a half developing and implementing programs to help youth hockey development throughout western Pennsylvania. In doing so, Michael worked with all age groups in camps and clinics for players and goalies in the greater Pittsburgh area.

Ending his Junior hockey career with the Rimouski Oceanic in 2007 followed by his time at Acadia, Chiasson was sent by the Pittsburgh during the lockout last season to the Penguins’ East Coast Hockey League affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers training camp in the fall of 2012 because of a shortage of goalies.

Chiasson is thrilled to be returning to his alma mater. “I couldn’t be happier to return to Acadia University as an assistant coach with such a great hockey program. I really enjoyed my four years playing at Acadia and fell in love with the school and community.” Adding, “Coaching has always been a goal of mine and I am very grateful for the opportunity to come back to Wolfville and join a great group of players and staff. I look forward to the new challenge and working towards bringing a national championship back to Acadia.”

“We are very excited to add Mike to the Axemen Coaching staff. He was  one of the most respected players to play here and he will have an immense impact not only for the Hockey Axemen but in the community as well”, noted Burns. “Mike will have a lot of responsibilities with our program. He will be an assistant coach who will be able to take a lead role in recruiting as well as help our goaltenders on a daily basis. His calm demeanour and strong hockey mind will also be a strong asset on the bench during the games. We also believe Mike’s effort with our youth camps will help grow an already strong Acadia Minor Hockey Association and continue to develop some of the best programs in the province. He is a tireless worker and knows the tradition of Acadia Hockey.”