This is getting mixed reactions. After head coach David Bell left the team to go work for the AHL Ontario Reign, and training camp a few weeks away, the team needed a new head coach right away. With available longtime OHL head coach Marty Williamson not an option (He was let go by Niagara after the team lost the 2016 OHL Finals), the IceDogs promoted from within.
Billy Burke has been the IceDogs assistant coach for eight years. He helped coach the team to two OHL Finals. He's overseen multiple top ten NHL picks, and more first rounders.