Manson steps into first head coaching role with AHL’s Gulls

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He then laughed as he added, “So I don’t know if I was right or if it ever is right, but for whatever reason, I said yep, and they gave it to me.”

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Manson joined the Gulls ahead of the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach alongside Michael Babcock. When head coach Matt McIlvane left to become an assistant with the Boston Bruins and Babcock accepted the head coaching job with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, the opportunity opened for Manson.

As part of the Gulls’ announcement, Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek praised Manson’s impact.

“After helping lead the Gulls to the playoffs last season, it was clear Dave made a big impact behind the bench.”

For Manson, the promotion reinforced his confidence in the organization.

“That says a lot about the organization. That’s why you’re willing to put your hat in the ring, the connectedness of everybody that’s involved in the organization, right? From ownership down to San Diego Gulls, everybody has the same vision and they’re working towards the same goal. It was an easy decision, but the support was a big reason for sure.”

Manson’s coaching career began in Prince Albert, where he spent 16 years with the Mintos and Raiders. He moved to the professional ranks in 2018-19 as an assistant coach with the Bakersfield Condors, spending four seasons there before joining the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Last season, he returned to the AHL with San Diego.

Having already coached in California, Manson is looking forward to staying there.

“San Diego’s a nice place. We spent three and a half years in Bakersfield, so we have an idea on the climate, what it’s like. It’s a beautiful place to play, or at least to coach. We get treated like royalty with the Mr. and Mrs. Samueli, they look after everything. Their organization is top notch, first class, and we just want to continue the standard that’s been set.”

Manson’s coaching staff with the Gulls will include Kelly Buchberger, a former Edmonton Oilers teammate, along with former NHLer Steve McCarthy.

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com