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Kelly McCrimmon leaving juniors for Las Vegas NHL

Las Vegas general manager George McPhee has landed his right-hand man for the NHL expansion team.

Kelly McCrimmon has agreed to be the team’s assistant general manager. Owner Bill Foley confirmed the hire late Monday, and an official announcement will be made by the team Tuesday.

McCrimmon, 55, has been serving as majority owner, GM and head coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, one of Canada’s top junior leagues.

“He has an outstanding record as a coach and general manager and knows how to spot and develop young talent,” Foley said of McCrimmon, whose team won the 2015-16 WHL title. “We’re excited to have him be part of our organization.”

McCrimmon has been with Brandon since 1988 when he served as an assistant coach. He became head coach and general manager the following season and was named the WHL’s Executive of the Year in 1995, 2010 and 2015. He also served as an assistant coach for Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championships.

McCrimmon played collegiately at Michigan from 1980 to 1984 after playing two years for the Wheat Kings in 1978 to 1980. He is expected to accompany McPhee to the Czech Republic next week to scout players at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, which is a showcase for the world’s top under-18 players.

Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow on Twitter: @stevecarprj.

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