On Monday, March 17th, the Soo Indians AAA Hockey Club proudly announced that Ken Belanger, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, will be the club’s next head coach for the 2025 – 2026 hockey season. Belanger, a former NHL player with over 350 professional games under his belt, brings a wealth of experience to the team and is poised to make a significant impact on the club’s future.
A decade in the NHL, Belanger’s professional hockey career spanned over a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he played from 1994 to 2005. His career took him to some of the most iconic franchises in the league, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, and Los Angeles Kings. Known for his toughness and leadership on the ice, Belanger made his mark in over 350 games at the highest level of the sport.
Belanger’s playing career, which included several memorable seasons with some of the NHL’s most storied teams, gave him the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. This experience has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to mentor young players and guide them to success both on and off the ice.
A strong foundation in the OHL before making his way to the NHL, Belanger honed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played four seasons from 1991 to 1994. He began his OHL career with the Ottawa 67’s, playing two seasons before moving to the Guelph Storm for his final two years. Over the course of 190 games, Belanger developed his hockey IQ and became a dominant player on the ice. His time in the OHL laid the foundation for his future success in professional hockey.
Belanger’s deep ties to the Sault Ste. Marie area and his history with junior hockey make him an excellent fit for the Soo Indians, a program dedicated to developing young talent and preparing players for the next level. His understanding of the game and his experience as both a player and a mentor will serve the team well as they continue to grow and evolve.
A commitment to athlete development with his time on the ice, Ken Belanger is also deeply committed to the development of athletes. Along with his wife, Sandra, Belanger owns KBX, a specialized sports training facility that focuses on enhancing the performance of athletes through sport-specific programs. KBX tailors its training to meet the unique needs of each athlete, helping them reach their highest potential.
This dedication to athlete development aligns perfectly with the mission of the Soo Indians AAA Hockey Club, which has a long-standing commitment to fostering skill, discipline, and sportsmanship in its players. With Belanger’s extensive knowledge of hockey mechanics and performance training, the Soo Indians are sure to benefit from his expertise in helping their players achieve success both on the ice and in life.
Ken told Saultsports that ” I am a strong advocate of focused and dialed in players. Working as a team and creating an accountable and team supportive environment. This side is great. Just thankful for the opportunity to be head coach again.”
Looking ahead as the 2025-2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ken Belanger as he steps into his new role as head coach of the Soo Indians. With his impressive background in professional hockey, his commitment to athlete development, and his deep ties to the Sault Ste. Marie community, Belanger is the perfect fit to lead the Soo Indians into the future.
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