Dave Manson is the new head coach of the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. (Image Credit: File photo/paNOW)
By
Stay Classy San Diego
Jul 20, 2026 | 3:26 PM
A local boy and Prince Albert Raiders legend is stepping into his first head coaching role after 44 years in hockey.
After setting records as a player, helping the Raiders win their first WHL and Memorial Cup championships, and spending 16 years in the NHL, Dave Manson has spent the last 24 years behind the bench. His coaching career has included stops with the Prince Albert Mintos, Raiders, Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton Oilers and, most recently, the AHL’s San Diego Gulls.
Now entering his 25th season as a coach, Manson has been named head coach of the Gulls, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks.
“We had a decent year last year, we made the playoffs in San Diego and I had no intentions of becoming a head coach. I’m perfectly happy where I was, but with the two coaches leaving, they asked me if I’d be interested. I said yes,” said Manson.
