Elmira Jackals hire Malcolm Cameron as head coach

The Elmira Jackals announced the hiring of Malcolm Cameron as the team's head coach today. Cameron is an eight-year veteran of the East Coast Hockey League for a few teams, most recently for the Florida Everblades. His all-time ECHL head coaching record is 295-149-59, good for a .645 winning percentage.

So, how is this relevant to the Ottawa Senators? Well, Elmira is the 'AA' affiliate of the Sens, so it seems like this move might be a part of the ongoing reconstruction of Ottawa's player development infrastructure. I'm sure Bryan Murray and the Senators organization had some input in the hiring, and--although, to be honest, I have no idea how Cameron coaches--I'd wager he's in the vein of Cory Clouston and Binghamton head coach Don Nachbaur in terms of style.

Although the Jackals had a very strong regular season in 2009-10 finishing with a 37-26-9 record (good for first in the East Division), they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs--by the Cameron-coached Florida Everblades. With a number of key players returning, it's expected Elmira will do well again. Cameron will be a big part in any success.