GREENSBORO, NC – The Greensboro Gargoyles, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL's Chicago Wolves, announced today that Mitch Giguere has been named the franchise's second Head Coach.

Giguere joins the Gargoyles after spending the past three seasons as Assistant Coach of the Wheeling Nailers, where he established a reputation for driving success. A native of Montréal, Québec, Giguere brings nearly two decades of coaching experience spanning junior, international, and professional hockey.

“We are excited to welcome Mitch and his family to the Gargoyles, and we thank the Wheeling Nailers for allowing us the opportunity to speak with him,” said Zawyer Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Ernst. “Mitch's work over the last three seasons in Wheeling helping to build, recruit, develop, and win, combined with his detailed preparation, strong communication skills, and commitment to being an active part of the community, set him apart throughout the interview process. We look forward to seeing those same qualities make an impact with the Gargoyles, and we are excited to welcome Mitch, Audrey, and their four children as part of the Greensboro community.”

Giguere, 40, began his coaching journey in 2008 and has since built a deep resume across roles as a coach, general manager, scout, consultant, and player development specialist while gaining experience in prestigious leagues including the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Québec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

During the 2021-22 season, Giguere guided Longueuil Collège-Français to the Napa Cup championship as champions of the QMJHL. He was also a member of the 2022-23 KHL Kharlamov Cup Champion Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, then led the University of Montréal to a fourth place finish in the nation. Giguere later joined the Wheeling Nailers in 2023, helping mentor a young roster to 2025-26 North Division Regular Season and Playoff Titles.

“I have great excitement to rejuvenate the culture of Greensboro Hockey. I have spoken with former Monarchs and am ready to make the Gargoyles a team fans come to the rink and identify themselves with and players are proud to represent on and off the ice,” said Giguere. “I look forward to building a space where players want to be coached and feel they are trusted and believed in. Coming from a big family, with four kids and a wife, we want to build one big family between the players, coaches, and fans. There is a strong core here, now we focus on adding the next pieces.”

Widely regarded for his work in player development, Giguere has coached and mentored numerous players who have advanced to the National Hockey League and American Hockey League levels. His developmental résumé includes work with current NHL players and prospects, with over 40 professional contracts signed in North America and Europe. Notable names include NHL 1st Round Draft Picks Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Connor Geekie, Owen Pickering, NHL 4th Round Draft Pick Daimon Gardner, NHL 6th Round Draft Pick Josh Filmon, 2022 Team USA Olympians Andy Miele and Kenny Agostino, and Chris Wideman, among others.

Giguere becomes the franchise’s second head coach as the Gargoyles prepare for their sophomore campaign.