John Dean is heading to Sault Ste Marie.

The former North Bay Centennials forward and Battalion assistant coach has been named head coach of the Greyhounds.

After three seasons with the Troops, Dean spent last season as head coach/assistant GM of the OJHL’s Toronto Patriots, where he was named the league’s Coach of the Year.

“I am honored and excited to be named Head Coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and look forward to carrying on the club’s tradition of excellence. I would like to thank Tim, Kyle and the entire board for giving me this amazing opportunity” started Dean in a release.

Dean played most of Major Junior career with the North Bay Centennials before a three-year professional career with the Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League.

“We are excited to announce that John Dean has been named the 20th Head Coach in Soo Greyhounds team history.  John’s passion and his ability to articulate his plans for the future of the Soo Greyhounds hockey club was very impressive and evident when going through our search for the next head coach” says Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis.

“We are very confident that John is the right fit for the program at this time. John understands today’s athlete and has a proven track record of success. He’s an effective communicator, teacher and committed to pushing this franchise to the next level” he says.