Rick Emmett was named head coach of the Ice Dawgs for the 2016-2017 season.

Emmett served as assistant coach during the team’s 2015-2016 SEC Championship-winning season. He has 20 years of experience playing and coaching hockey and served as head coach of the Gwinnett Gladiators before joining the Ice Dawgs in 2015.

The players, staff and board members are excited to welcome Emmett into his new position.

“From an administrative standpoint, Coach Emmett has done everything you would expect of a head coach and excelled at it,” said Alex Carey, Ice Dawgs team captain. “He was a huge part of our success on and off the ice this past season, so the players and staff are ecstatic to have him on as head coach. We’re looking forward to another great season.”

The Ice Dawgs will kick off the 2016-2017 season against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in downtown Athens. Season tickets are available at http://classiccenter.com.