Ice Dogs’ Van Boxmeer Named IHL Coach of Year

Long Beach Ice Dog Coach John Van Boxmeer was named International Hockey League coach of the year Saturday.

Van Boxmeer, who is also the team’s general manager, led the Ice Dogs to the best record in the Western Conference (54-19-9) and the second-best mark overall after the team missed the playoffs last season.

“This is a great honor,” said Van Boxmeer, whose team continues its second-round playoff series against Utah today. “Of course, the players have done a great job this season. They come out and play hard every night.”