MONTREAL – Liam Heelis has signed a contract extension and will continue serving as interim head coach of the McGill University men's hockey team until April 30, 2021. 
 
Heelis, who had previously served two years as an assistant coach, guided the team to a 16-10-2 fourth-place record in the 10-team OUA East division during the team's 144th season.
 
"I'm pleased that Coach Heelis has agreed to stay on and steward the team for another season," said Geoffrey Phillips, director of sports programs at McGill Athletics and Recreation. "He's developed a good relationship with the student-athletes, which is especially important during these difficult times."
 
Heelis, a native of Georgetown, Ont., has been serving as interim head coach since the unexpected death of Kelly Nobes in September 2019. "After taking on the role of interim head coach last fall, Coach Heelis managed to calm the waters and guided the team through a challenging season," said Phillips.
 
A dual citizen of Canada and Ireland, Heelis received his master's degree in sports psychology from McGill after graduating from Acadia University -- where he starred for four seasons – and earned a science degree, majoring in psychology.
 
Heelis played one season at McGill in 2015-16 after transferring from Acadia and served as an alternate captain. He attended the NHL's Florida Panthers rookie camp in both 2014 and 2015.

He was named the Canadian university hockey player of the year in 2012-13 and served two years as team captain of the Axemen. In 2014, Heelis was a national finalist for the BLG Award, which goes to the male athlete of the year, across all university sports in Canada.


SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
Communications Officer
Athletics & Recreation
McGill University
514-398-7012 (Tel.)
m.athletics.mcgill.ca (mobile website)
www.mcgillathletics.ca
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca