The Charlottetown Islanders have announced internal promotions within their hockey operations department, moves the club says are meant to strengthen player development across technical, physical and medical areas as the team prepares for the coming season.
Two promotions tighten development staff
Paul Drew has been moved into a full-time role as Video & Goaltending Coach, a position that combines game- and practice-film analysis with direct work with the club’s netminders. The Islanders said Drew’s promotion is part of an organizational push to provide enhanced coaching and video support for players.
Also promoted is Etienne Myette-Côté, who will serve as the club’s Director of Performance as he begins his sixth season with the organisation. In that role, Myette-Côté will oversee the performance department, including strength and conditioning, athletic training, mental performance and medical services.
“These promotions reflect our ongoing commitment to providing our players with the resources, support, and development opportunities they need to succeed both on and off the ice,” said President and General Manager Scott Harris.
What it means for players and fans
For players, the moves formalize responsibilities that already existed in part and centralize leadership of physical preparation and health under a single director. For fans, the changes signal the Islanders’ intent to remain competitive by investing behind the bench and in off-ice programs.
- Paul Drew — promoted to full-time Video & Goaltending Coach
- Etienne Myette-Côté — promoted to Director of Performance
- John Mitchell — new head coach to be introduced publicly on July 21
Press conference set for Eastlink Centre
The club has scheduled a public press conference to introduce new head coach John Mitchell on Tuesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Eastlink Centre and is open to the public, offering supporters a chance to meet the coach and hear the club’s outlook for the season.
| Staff member | New role | Areas of responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Drew | Video & Goaltending Coach (full-time) | Video analysis, goaltending development |
| Etienne Myette-Côté | Director of Performance | Strength & conditioning, athletic training, mental performance, medical services |
The Islanders encouraged fans to follow the team on social media or sign up for the official newsletter for further updates. The promotions come as the organisation prepares for a new coaching era, and they underline a local club’s emphasis on behind-the-scenes work that aims to translate into results on the ice.
Local followers of the QMJHL club will likely watch how the reorganized performance and video departments influence preseason preparation and early-season results. The Eastlink Centre event on July 21 offers the first public glimpse at how the club plans to put those changes into practice.
