B9

Nathan White
Telegraph-Journal

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Ron Choules will be back behind the bench for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team re-signed Choules to a two-year contract, with a mutual option for a third.

Titan general manager Sylvain Couturier said the matter was delayed due to the process of transferring the ownership from Leo-Guy Morrissette to his children, Stephane and Annie.

"It was a long process with the kids buying the team from their dad. They were a bit nervous to make sure everything was going to go through, but everything seems to be fine, so we went along and re-signed (Choules)," Couturier said.

Choules replaced Denis Francoeur late in the 2007-08 season and went 18-4 in the regular season, advancing to the second round of the QMJHL playoffs. Last year was a rebuilding season, as a young team went 20-35-7-6, finishing fifth in the Atlantic Division and losing to the Gatineau Olympiques in five games in the first playoff round.

"We were very young last year (and) injury-wise it was our worst year in four or five years. I think when you look at the whole picture and the result, we're very satisfied," Couturier said. "We're very happy with the way it turned out last year and I think Ron deserved what he got today."

Choules said he was glad to get the contract settled so he can focus on next season.

"Even though I talked to (Couturier) daily about the team, for a good month I was hanging out there. But I was confident I'd go back," Choules said.

"I didn't see why not. The team was so young, we progressed well and made the playoffs."

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MACADAM, SHANNON PROMOTED: Meanwhile, the Lewiston Maineiacs have reorganized their front office.

Head coach Don MacAdam has been given the added responsibility of team president, while Fredericton-based head scout Roger Shannon has been elevated to general manager.

MacAdam has previous management experience in the ECHL, and plans to focus on increasing revenue and community outreach for the Maineiacs, who applied for relocation last season but decided to give Lewiston another try.

The reorganization "will build a foundation now that will allow us to go forward in a positive way in the community, and financially," MacAdam said.