Ghost Pirates announce affiliation, head coach

The Savannah Ghost Pirates announced the team will serve as the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Vegas Golden Knight and the American Hockey League's Henderson Silver Knights when they take the ice for their inaugural season in 2022-23.

The Ghost Pirates also announced the hiring of Rick Bennett as the team's first head coach. Bennett was head coach at Union College from 2011-12 through 2021-22, after serving as the school's associate coach from 2005-11. Bennett led the Dutchmen to a national championship in 2014, and postd an overall record of 192-133-45 with two Frozen Four appearances.

Prior to joining Union, Bennett spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Providence College from 2000-05.

During his playing days, Bennett spent four seasons in the ECHL with Jacksonville and Pee Dee, totaling 199 points (84g-115a) in 265 games. Bennett also skated in 15 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, while also suiting up in 355 career games in the American Hockey League and International Hockey League.