Mike Vellucci leaving Plymouth Whalers for management position with Carolina Hurricanes

By Michael Caples –

Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos announced today that Plymouth Whalers coach/GM/president Mike Vellucci will be joining his NHL club as an assistant GM and director of hockey operations.

Both TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman originally reported that Vellucci would be leaving for the Hurricanes over the weekend and on Monday morning.

Vellucci will be working for new Carolina Hurricanes GM Ron Francis, who was promoted to take over for Jim Rutherford, who is stepping down from his position with the NHL club.

During the team’s press conference to announce the news, Francis said he is excited to work with Vellucci after seeing how much success he had with the Whalers.

“He’s dabbled in all facets of the business, from the draft to coaching to general manager, I think he even ran the building up there,” Francis said. “He’s got not only a lot of hockey experience, but business experience, so I’m looking forward to working with Mike as he’s eager to take on the next challenge in his career.”

Vellucci, 47, leaves the Whalers after 14 seasons, much of which was spent as head coach and GM. Now, Vellucci will oversee scouting and player development for the Hurricanes.

A native of Farmington Hills, Vellucci led the Whalers to a 468-322-36 record, and he was the first American to win the Matt Leyden Trophy as OHL coach of the year after leading Plymouth to the OHL title in 2006-07. Last season, he was named the OHL’s coach and executive of the year.

Prior to his time with the Whalers, Vellucci worked with Detroit Compuware of the NAHL, leading his team to a 241-82-27 record, and U.S. national championships in 1994 and 1999. He also played professional hockey in the IHL, AHL, ECHL and BHL from 1986-89. He was a Hartford Whalers draft pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, and he played for them during the 1987-88 season.

Karmanos had this to say about Vellucci last year after he won the management award:

“I believe Mike is very deserving of this award.  I am very proud of him,” said Whalers Owner Peter Karmanos Jr.  “As good of a coach as Mike is he is an even better business executive.  Being able to perform both jobs is something that is very difficult.  I believe Mike’s ability to excel at both jobs and perform in an outstanding fashion is something that is very impressive, unique, and truly sets him apart.  To win both Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year is quite an accomplishment.”