the 1997-98 season as an assistant coach, working under head coach Greg Bignell. The Centennials struggled to a 15-45-6 record during the season, earning 36 points, and finishing in last place in the Central Division. The Centennials failed to qualify for the post-season. Following the season, Hulton was relieved of his duties. Kingston Voyageurs (1998-1999) Hulton re-joined the Kingston Voyageurs of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League for the 1998-99 season, as he was hired as the head coach of the club. Previously, Hulton worked with the Voyageurs from 1994 to 1996 as an assistant coach. The Voyageurs got off to a very strong start to the season, going 18-6-1 in their first 25 games under Hulton, good for first place in the East Division. After the solid start to the season, Hulton resigned from his position in Kingston to take the head coaching job of the Mississauga IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League. Mississauga IceDogs (1998-2000) Hulton joined the Mississauga IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League midway through the 1998-99, after the club began the season 1-21-1 under previous head coach Peter Sturgeon. On November 27, 1998, Hulton coached his first game with Mississauga, as the club earned a 3–3 tie with the Belleville Bulls. Hulton would not win his first game with Mississauga until January 29, 1999, as the IceDogs defeated the Peterborough Petes 5–2. Overall, Hulton finished the season with a 3-40-2 record with Mississauga, as the team finished in last place in the league. Mississauga saw a slight improvement in Hulton's second season with the club, as the team finished the 1999-2000 season with a 9-56-1-2 record, earning 21 points. The club remained in last place in the OHL. Following the season, the IceDogs and Hulton parted ways. Belleville Bulls (2000-2003) Hulton was hired by the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League for the 2000-01 season as the head coach of the club. On September 23, 2000, Hulton coached his first game for Belleville, as they lost 3–2 to the Kingston Frontenacs. Four nights later, Hulton earned his first win with the Bulls, as they defeated his former club, the Mississauga IceDogs 8–7. The Bulls had a very strong season, as Hulton led them to a 37-23-5-3 record, earning 82 points, and finishing in first place in the Eastern Conference. On March 26, 2001, Hulton coached in his first career OHL post-season game, as