Winnipeg – Paul Krueger has been named the new head coach of Team Manitoba, Hockey Manitoba’s entry into the 2007 Canada Games in Whitehorse, Yukon next February.

Krueger, who had been serving as an assistant coach under Don MacGillivary, will assume the role effective immediately. MacGillivary was unable to fulfill his appointment after assuming the head coaching duties with the University of Manitoba’s men’s hockey team. As the head coach of the Winnipeg Wild AAA Midget team Krueger, a native of Winnipeg, has guided his team to 5 winning seasons and a berth in the 2005 AAA Midget Regional Championship and will be returning for an 6th year as their head coach this fall.

“This is an exciting opportunity for myself and for our coaching staff. The number of top level prospects from Manitoba are high and we are expecting to compete for a medal next February” said Krueger, who along with current assistant coach Billy Keane (Winnipeg) have been scouting the players since April of 2005.

With Krueger’s appointment as head coach, Hockey Manitoba would also like to announce the appointment of Kevin Benson as an assistant coach for Team Manitoba. Kevin comes to the team with a lengthy resume, which includes an assistant coach role at the 2003 Canada Games in New Brunswick and 8 winning seasons and berths in the 2002 and 2006 AAA Midget Regionals as the head coach of the AAA Midget Winnipeg Thrashers. Benson, a native of Winnipeg, will join a staff that in beginning final preparations for the selection of Team Manitoba in early to mid November.

Team Manitoba’s first action at the Canada Games will be February 25, 2007 against Prince Edward Island.