The Portland Winterhawks have hired Mark “Peaches” Brennan as the team’s new equipment manager. Brennan will replace Rob Gagne, who resigned to move back to his hometown of Cleveland to be closer to his family.

Brennan assisted Gagne and the Hawks’ equipment staff last season, and brings nearly 25 years of experience to the position. His career began in the WHL with the New Westminster Bruins from 1983-1985. After one year in the American Hockey League, Brennan joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1986 as Head Equipment Manager, where he remained through 1994.

He then joined the Florida Panthers as their Head Equipment Manager in 1996, the year they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. He spent 10 years with the Panthers through 2006, before relocating to Portland to open a hockey equipment repair business. In 2010, Brennan was inducted into the Trainers & Equipment Managers Wall of Honor at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“Mark’s credentials in the hockey business are second to none. Having spent last season around the team he’s already familiar with the organization, which should make for a seamless transition,” said Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston.

Brennan replaces Gagne, who joined the Winterhawks in 2008 with the ownership change. Gagne will be with the team during training camp to assist in the transition.

“We’re sorry to lose Rob, but we certainly understand his desire to be closer to his wife and family,” said Johnston. “Rob has worked tirelessly over the last four years and been an integral part of the team’s success. We wish him the best as he moves on to new endeavors.”

Season tickets and 20- and 12-game ticket packages for the 2012-13 season are on sale now. Visit winterhawks.com or call 503-236-HAWK to reserve the best seat locations.