The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have named Gary Agnew as Head Coach of the Crunch.

Agnew, 40, joins the Crunch after spending the last 10 seasons as a head coach in the Ontario Hockey League, including the last three with the London Knights. Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Agnew began his coaching career with the London Knights as an Assistant Coach in 1987. He was promoted to Head Coach and General Manager of the Knights in 1990-91 before moving to the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) in 1994-95. Agnew returned to the Knights for the 1997-98 season and coached them to a Western Division Title.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to work for the Syracuse Crunch", said Agnew. "I am thrilled to work in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and look forward to the challenge and responsibility of developing the Blue Jackets top players as well as a winning environment in Syracuse."

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are pleased and excited to have an individual with Gary Agnew´s experience and credibility join our organization", said Columbus Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Jim Clark. "Gary has proven to be an excellent coach at the major junior level in Canada over the past 13 years and is an ideal candidate to develop our young prospects and instill a winning atmosphere in Syracuse."

In 664 OHL games Agnew posted a 329-282-53 record. Agnew was named OHL Coach of the Year and First Team All-Star Coach in both the 1992-93 and 1997-98 seasons.

Before coaching, Agnew played for the University of New Brunswick (CIAU), Fredericton Express (AHL) and Milwaukee Admirals (IHL). He has a Masters´ Degree in Coaching from the University of Western Ontario.

Agnew becomes the third head coach in Crunch history (Stan Smyl, 1999-00 and Jack McIlhargey 1994-95 - 1998-99).

Gary and his wife Barbara have two children, Brett (10) and Lindsay (5)