The Sault Star newspaper in Sault Ste. Marie quotes "reliable sources" in saying Hartsburg has inked a two year deal to take over the 'Tips, who have been without a head coach since firing John Becanic after Everett lost to the Tri City Americans in the first round of the WHL playoffs.

During an interview two weeks ago, Hartsburg told the paper he was interested in getting back into coaching and had been talking "with one major junior team in particular." The article goes on to say that Hartsburg came to Everett earlier this month to meet with Silvertips General Manager Doug Soetaert.

Hartsburg was drafted 6th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1979 and played through the 1988-89 season, before turning to coaching. He helmed the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and began the 2008/2009 season coaching the Ottawa Senators. He was fired in February, after the Sens started the season with a disappointing 17-24-7 record.

Hartsburg is also no stranger to coaching junior hockey. He's coached the Guelph Storm and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) He played his junior hockey with the Greyhounds, alongside Wayne Gretzky. He was also behind the bench when Team Canada won 2 of its 5 consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championships (in 2007 and 2008).

The Silvertips won't comment on any rumors and will only say to join them at the news conference tomorrow at 12:30pm, in Conference Room #2 at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at Comcast Arena. In addition to the media, the team invites Silvertips fans to come meet the new coach. Those who cannot attend the news conference in person, can watch it live, online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/silvertips-coach

For more information on tomorrow's news conference, click here for a link to the Silvertips' news release.

To read the article about Craig Hartsburg in The Sault Star newspaper, click here.