You can remove the interim tag from Ryan Oulahen.

He’s been named the head coach of the North Bay Battalion.

Owner Scott Abbott has signed Oulahen to a three year contract.

Abbott says he saw plenty of improvement in the team since they named Oulahen interim coach after a 5-23 start.

“We went 12-18-4 since the change and when the season was abandoned we were looking very solid to making it into the playoffs,” Abbott says.

He was hired on December 10th.

Oulahen says being the head coach of the Battalion means a lot to him.

“This is something I’ve been working towards for a very long time. This day is here now and I couldn’t be more excited,” Oulahen says.

General Manager Adam Dennis says Oulahen is a perfect fit for the staff and the team.

“His organization, his communication skills and his focus on skills development. Anyone who has paid attention to our team has recognized the impact of our younger players. They’ve been given opportunities and they’ve developed and taken strides,” Dennis says.

Oulahen was previously head coach at Flint and says he learned a lot.

“The biggest thing I learned was to be patient and stay on an even keel and I’m better for it today,” he says.

(photo by Terry Wilson OHL Images)

Filed under: North Bay Battalion, Ryan Oulahen