Flint, MI - The Flint Generals of the International Hockey League announced today (Thursday) that Peter South has been named Head Coach for the 2008-2009 season. South will also assume the titles of Assistant General Manager of Business and Hockey Operations.

Photo: Flint Generals

South took over as Interim-Head Coach on Monday, Mar. 11 when Kevin Kerr was relieved of his coaching duties. In the 18 games behind the bench South compiled a record of 7 Wins, 8 losses, 2 OTL and 1SOL.

South, a Windsor, Ontario Canada resident, notched his first win behind the bench on March 21st when the Generals beat Kalamazoo 2-1. There were two more significant wins for the Generals during his interim-tenure. He guided Flint to their first shootout win of the season, 5-4 in Port Huron against the Icehawks. The Generals also qualified for the playoffs on Wednesday, Apr. 9 with a 5-1 win in Kalamazoo. Flint put an exclamation point on its season by beating the Fort Wayne Komets 3-2 in overtime to snap the Komets 25 home winning streak.

The Generals qualified for their second straight playoff birth as a franchise and trip back to the Turner Cup Playoffs. Flint fell to the rival Port Huron Icehawks in five exciting games.

“I have complete confidence in Peter's abilities,” said Generals Director of Hockey Operations Ron Sanko. “I have worked with Peter and been successful with him for over 10 years in many areas of the Hockey business. He knows the players we have here, our organization's personnel and he knows our league.

“I realize that there will be some fans out there who will question my decision. but in every business you have to believe in what you are doing. You have to believe it is the best move for your organization. I believe that Peter is the right person for the job.”

Peter South will assume day to day business operations of the team that was handled by Steve McPhee who's contract was not renewed and returned to Upper Michigan to pursue other business interests. Peter will report to Brandon Bordeaux who will continue on as Managing Partner of the Perani Group.

“I'm honored to be given the opportunity to lead the Generals through their 2nd season in the IHL” said South, from the NHL meetings in St. Louis. “I'm confident that Ron Sanko and myself will ice a team that will play a physical and exciting brand of hockey.”

Former Flint Generals and current Detroit Red Wing Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty was pleased with South's appointment.

"Although I was only in Flint for just 5 weeks with Peter on our coaching staff, I have known him for over 10 years and he has an exceptional hockey mind,” McCarty said. “Without hesitation I can say that the Generals have a dedicated and knowledgeable head coach today, and he certainly has the ability to lead the Generals successfully moving forward next year.”