Former Brock coach and player named head coach of Hershey Bears

Former Brock university player and coach Mark French has been named the new head coach of the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.

Prior to his assistant coaching duties with Hershey, he was the head coach and director of hockey operations for the Wichita Thunder (CHL) from 2005-07. French also coached in the ECHL with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies during the 2004-05 season, walking the bench as assistant coach as the Bullies posted a 42-21-9 record. Along with extensive professional coaching experience, he also brings considerable collegiate experience, having been the head coach at Wilfrid Laurier University from 2002-04.

A native of Milton, Ontario, French played college hockey at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario, serving as captain for three years there and received the prestigious 212 Degrees annual award all four seasons, presented to the athlete who demonstrates leadership, commitment and excellence on the ice.

French, 38, becomes the 23rd head coach in Hershey Bears history, succeeding Bob Woods who was promoted to the Washington Capitals last month. He lives in Hershey with his wife Kimberly. They have two children, Ellie (2) and William, who was born during this past Calder Cup winning season.