2025 Clinic Details

Tim Army is in his second stint as an Assistant Coach with the Anaheim Ducks, named to his current role July 10, 2024. Army has more than 35 years of coaching experience, including 15 years as an Assistant Coach in the NHL and 14 years as a Head Coach in the AHL and NCAA. Army served as an Assistant Coach with Anaheim for the club’s first four seasons from 1993-97, in addition to the same role in Washington (1997-02) and Colorado (2011-17).

The Providence, R.I. native has amassed a 256-204-97 record in 557 games in two stints as a Head Coach in the AHL. Army spent five seasons as the Head Coach of the Iowa Wild (AHL) from 2018-23, leading the team to a 157-115-45 record in 317 games. He helped the club to two postseason appearances in the three seasons where the AHL conducted the Calder Cup Playoffs (2019 and 2020 playoffs not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Army also served as Head Coach with the Portland Pirates of the AHL from 2002-05, leading the club to a 99-89-52 record in 240 games and reaching the playoffs in two of his three seasons.

Army served as an Assistant Coach with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL in 2017-18 between his stints with the Avalanche and Wild. Army spent six seasons as Head Coach of his alma mater Providence College from 2005-11. His first coaching position was an Assistant Coach at Providence College (1987-1993) after playing one year of professional hockey in 1985-86.

Internationally, Army was an Assistant Coach with Team USA at three World Championships (1994, 1996 and 2013) and the 2004 World Cup, and served as Head Coach at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial. He was Associate Coach for China during their 2026 Olympic qualifying in 2023-24.

Selected by Colorado in the ninth round (171st overall) of the 1981 NHL Draft, Army played hockey at Providence College for four years, captaining the club to the Friars’ first Hockey East championship and the 1985 NCAA Finals. He scored 71-107=178 points in 151 career NCAA games in four seasons, completing his senior season as a Hobey Baker Award finalist and being named to the All-Hockey East First Team and an ACHA East First Team All-American. He was inducted to the Providence Hall of Fame in 1997.

Drew Bannister served as Head Coach of the St. Louis Blues during the 2023–24 NHL season, guiding the team to a 30–19–0 record after being promoted from the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds in December 2023. His calm bench presence and player development background helped stabilize the team during the second half of the year.

Prior to joining the Blues’ NHL bench, Bannister was Head Coach of the Springfield Thunderbirds (2020–2023), leading them to a 93–58–19 record across three seasons. He was also Head Coach of the San Antonio Rampage (2018–20), previously the Blues’ AHL affiliate. His coaching journey began with the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL, where he spent three seasons (2015–2018) and developed multiple future NHL players.

As a player, Bannister was selected 26th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1992 NHL Draft and appeared in 164 NHL games with Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Anaheim, and the New York Rangers. He also won a Memorial Cup with the Soo Greyhounds in 1993 and represented Canada at the 1994 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Jordan Bean has served as the Video Coordinator and Statistical Analyst for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 2016. Known internally as a behind-the-scenes “MVP,” Bean has earned recognition for his real-time decision-making and analytical support during critical moments.

Before joining the Maple Leafs, Bean built his resume with video roles in the OHL, including with the Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm, and supported Team Canada at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He also gained experience in hockey analytics with Stathletes, combining his interest in video with emerging data technologies.

A native of Pickering, Ontario, Bean holds a degree in Sport Management and began his professional career in junior hockey. His ability to blend technical skill, sharp instincts, and calm under pressure has made him a valued contributor on the Leafs’ staff for nearly a decade.

Former Blue Jackets forward Jared Boll rejoined the organization as an assistant development coach prior to the 2018-19 season and currently serves as an Assistant Coach.

Boll, who spent two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks from 2016-18, retired following the 2017-18 campaign having registered 28 goals and 38 assists for 66 points with 1,298 penalty minutes in 579 games during his 11-year NHL career. He spent nine seasons in Columbus, tallying 27-35-62 and 1,195 penalty minutes in 518 games from 2007-16. He is the club’s all-time leader in penalty minutes and ranks eighth in games played.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Boll was selected by the Blue Jackets in the fourth round, 101st overall, at the 2005 NHL Draft. After spending two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers from 2005-07, he made his NHL debut the following season and notched 5-5-10 and a career-high 226 penalty minutes in 75 games with the Jackets. He set a career high in points with 4-10-14 in 75 games in 2008-09 and scored a career-best seven goals and added five assists for 12 points in 73 contests in 2010-11.

Sergei Brylin was named an Assistant Coach with the New Jersey Devils on August 18, 2022, after spending nine seasons developing talent within the organization’s AHL affiliates in Albany, Binghamton, and Utica. During the 2021–22 season, Brylin helped lead the Utica Comets to a North Division title and an AHL-record 13-game winning streak to start the year, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

A lifelong Devil as a player, Brylin appeared in 765 regular-season NHL games from 1994–95 to 2007–08, ranking tenth in franchise history. He was part of three Stanley Cup championship teams (1995, 2000, 2003) and played 109 playoff games over his 13-year NHL career. A versatile forward, he posted a career-best 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) in the 2000–01 season and held a 328-game ironman streak—the third-longest in Devils history.

Following his NHL career, Brylin spent four seasons in the KHL before retiring in 2012. Internationally, he represented Russia in both the World Juniors and World Championships. He was originally selected 42nd overall by New Jersey in the 1992 NHL Draft and began his North American career with the Russian Penguins of the IHL in 1993–94.

Jessica Campbell entered her first season as an Assistant Coach with the Seattle Kraken, becoming the first woman in NHL history to serve as a full-time assistant behind the bench during the regular season. She joins the Kraken after two standout years on Dan Bylsma’s staff with the Coachella Valley Firebirds (AHL), where she helped guide the team to back-to-back appearances in the Calder Cup Final and led the league in scoring with 252 goals in 2023–24.

Before her time in Coachella Valley, Campbell served as an Assistant and Skills Coach with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers of Germany’s Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) during the 2021–22 season. That same year, she was behind the bench for Team Germany at the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

A former captain at Cornell University, Campbell played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey from 2010–2014 before launching a professional career with the Calgary Inferno (CWHL). Internationally, she represented Canada at multiple events, including gold and silver medal runs at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championships (2009, 2010) and a silver medal at the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Campbell is widely regarded for her forward-thinking approach to skills development and brings a dynamic presence to Seattle’s coaching staff.

Andy Chiodo is in his third season as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ NHL Goaltending Coach, promoted to the role in August 2021 after previously serving as the organization’s Goaltending Development Coach from 2018 to 2021. A former NHL netminder himself, Chiodo draws on over a decade of pro playing experience to lead the development and performance of the Penguins’ goaltending corps.

Originally drafted by Pittsburgh in 2003, Chiodo played eight games for the Penguins during the 2003–04 NHL season and helped the club’s AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, reach the Calder Cup Final that same year. His 14-year playing career spanned multiple leagues, including the AHL, ECHL, Finland’s SM-liiga, Russia’s KHL, and Austria’s EBEL.

Chiodo began his coaching career with the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) as their Goaltending Coach in 2017–18, before being recruited by Pittsburgh the following year. As Goaltending Development Coach, he worked closely with prospects at the AHL, ECHL, junior, and collegiate levels before stepping behind the NHL bench. He is known for a coaching style that balances technical refinement with mental preparation and professional habits—critical traits for developing goaltenders in today’s NHL.

Rich Clune joined the Anaheim Ducks as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2024–25 season after spending two years on the development and coaching staff with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. He most recently served as an Assistant Coach with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies during the 2023–24 season, where he was credited with helping improve the team’s power play efficiency and providing leadership to a young roster.

Prior to stepping behind the bench, Clune enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career that included 139 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played over 500 games in the AHL, serving as captain of the Marlies and helping lead them to the 2018 Calder Cup Final.

Originally drafted 71st overall by the Dallas Stars in 2005, Clune became known for his high-energy, physical style of play and off-ice leadership. His transition into coaching has been defined by a strong ability to connect with players and translate his professional experience into player development success.

Matt Ellis has served as an Assistant Coach with the Buffalo Sabres since March 2021, bringing a deep understanding of player development and leadership to the bench. Prior to his promotion, Ellis was the club’s Director of Player Development, working closely with prospects across all levels of the organization.

A native of Welland, Ontario, Ellis played 14 seasons of professional hockey, including 356 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres. He served as captain during his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL and concluded his playing career with the Rochester Americans in 2016.

Following his retirement, Ellis transitioned seamlessly into coaching and has become a key figure in the Sabres’ efforts to build a competitive, development-driven culture. He is recognized for his clear communication style, strong grasp of the two-way game, and dedication to preparing young players for success at the NHL level.

Don Granato most recently served as Head Coach of the Buffalo Sabres from 2020 to 2024, leading the team for three full seasons and helping guide the organization through a key phase of its rebuild. Known for his calm presence and development-first approach, Granato played a significant role in advancing the growth of Buffalo’s young core.

Before becoming an NHL Head Coach, Granato held Assistant Coaching roles with the Sabres and the Chicago Blackhawks. He also spent time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he coached both the U17 and U18 squads, helping develop several future NHL stars and earning medals at international events. His work with USA Hockey included serving on the coaching staff at the 2014 IIHF World Championship and supporting various World Junior initiatives.

Granato’s professional coaching experience also includes Head Coaching roles in the AHL with the Worcester IceCats, where he was named AHL Coach of the Year, and Peoria Rivermen, along with a championship-winning stint in the ECHL. He began his coaching career in the USHL after playing collegiately at the University of Wisconsin, where he captained the Badgers to an NCAA title in 1990.

Dave Hakstol is a veteran NHL and collegiate coach with over 25 years of experience behind the bench, most recently serving as Head Coach of the Seattle Kraken from 2021 to 2024.

Hakstol was named the first Head Coach in Kraken franchise history in June 2021. In just the team’s second season (2022–23), he led Seattle to a 100-point regular season and the club’s first Stanley Cup Playoff berth, where they advanced to the second round. That same year, Hakstol was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award.

Prior to his time in Seattle, Hakstol served as an Assistant Coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2019–21) and was Head Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015 to 2018, guiding them to two playoff appearances in three full seasons.

Hakstol first rose to prominence at the University of North Dakota, where he spent 11 seasons as Head Coach (2004–2015), leading the program to seven NCAA Frozen Four appearances and compiling a 289–143–43 record. He began his coaching career with the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) in the late 1990s.

Christian Hmura joined the New York Rangers ahead of the 2023–24 season as the club’s Skills & Performance Development Coach, bringing with him a reputation as one of hockey’s top skating and skills specialists.

Prior to joining the Rangers, Hmura served as Hockey Director and Head Coach at Chicago Mission AAA, where he led multiple teams to national and league championships and helped develop numerous high-end prospects. He also founded Hmura Hockey Development (HHD), a training system known for emphasizing skating mechanics as the foundation for elite-level skill development.

A former junior and Tier I player, Hmura transitioned to coaching at just 19 years old after his playing career was cut short due to concussions. His coaching style blends technical precision with progressive teaching methods, and he is widely regarded for his ability to improve player speed, agility, and puck control.

With the Rangers, Hmura works with both prospects and NHL players, contributing to off-season and in-season skill development across the organization.

Frantz Jean has served as the Goaltending Coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2010, playing a key role in the development of one of the NHL’s most successful goaltending pipelines. His tenure includes backstopping the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

Prior to joining Tampa Bay, Jean spent over a decade in the QMJHL, most notably as the Goaltending Coach for the Moncton Wildcats from 1997 to 2010. During his time there, the Wildcats twice reached the Memorial Cup, and his goalies routinely posted some of the best statistics in the league.

Jean is widely respected for his calm demeanor and technical approach, blending detailed mechanics with a strong focus on mental preparation. His ability to build trust with young goaltenders has made him an integral part of Tampa Bay’s long-term success in net.

Marty Johnston was named Assistant Coach of the Winnipeg Jets on July 21, 2022, following five seasons as an Assistant Coach with the club’s AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Known for his developmental focus and tactical preparation, Johnston brings a strong foundation in player development from his years in both the collegiate and professional ranks.

Prior to joining the pro coaching circuit, Johnston served as Head Coach of the Carleton University Ravens for seven seasons, where he compiled a 129–49–12 record and helped establish the program as one of the most competitive in U Sports men’s hockey. A native of Gloucester, Ontario, Johnston earned recognition for his leadership and ability to develop student-athletes both on and off the ice.

As a player, Johnston spent three seasons in the QMJHL with the Hull (Gatineau) Olympiques and was a member of the 1997 Memorial Cup–winning team. He later played at Dalhousie University before launching a professional career that included time with the AHL’s Lowell Lock Monsters, four ECHL clubs, and the Edinburgh Capitals in the British Elite Ice Hockey League, where he finished his pro career in 2004–05.

Claude Julien joined the St. Louis Blues coaching staff ahead of the 2024–25 season, bringing over two decades of NHL Head Coaching experience and a Stanley Cup pedigree to the bench.

Julien served as Head Coach of the Boston Bruins from 2007 to 2017, leading the team to the 2011 Stanley Cup championship and the 2013 Final. He also won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 2009 and holds the franchise record for most wins by a Bruins Head Coach. Prior to his time in Boston, he held Head Coaching roles with the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils, and later returned to Montreal for a second stint from 2017 to 2021.

Internationally, Julien has coached with Team Canada at multiple tournaments, including as an assistant during the gold-medal run at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Widely respected for his defensive systems, preparation, and leadership under pressure, Julien adds veteran experience and structure to the Blues’ coaching group.

Sam Kim has served as the Video & Coaching Coordinator for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 2020. In this role, Kim has been an integral part of the bench during games, contributing to successful challenge decisions and tactical adjustments.

Before joining Toronto, Kim spent two seasons with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors as Video Coordinator and previously held similar roles with the Springfield Falcons and American International College. He has also worked internationally with the South Korean national team, including at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

A native of Flushing, New York, Kim holds degrees from Boston College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His path to the NHL is one of the most unconventional in the league — beginning as a mascot for the New York Islanders and leading to a respected position on an NHL coaching staff.

The 2024-25 season was Lambert’s first with the Flames coaching staff. 

Lambert started his coaching career as Ryan Huska’s Assistant Coach with the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL. After three years as an assistant, he took over the reins as Head Coach with the Rockets, winning the 2015 WHL Championship before falling to Oshawa in overtime of the Memorial Cup Finals. He jumped to the NHL as an Assistant Coach with the Buffalo Sabres the following year. He was the Head Coach with Rochester Americans in the AHL for one season followed by two seasons as the bench boss with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. Dan spent the last four seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Nashville Predators before joining the Flames.

As a player, Lambert was a sixth-round draft pick of the Quebec Nordiques in the 1989 NHL Draft before embarking on a 19-year professional career in the NHL, AHL, IHL, Germany and Finland. The former high-scoring defenceman and 1989 Memorial Cup MVP with the Swift Current Broncos retired in 2009 after playing 1,144 pro games.

Jay Leach is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman and is currently an Assistant Coach for the Boston Bruins.

After retiring from playing in 2013, Leach quickly transitioned into coaching, beginning as an Assistant with Adler Mannheim in Germany’s DEL—a stint that culminated in a championship—before returning to North America. He then served as an Assistant, and briefly as Interim Head Coach, for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and later joined the Providence Bruins organization, where he was promoted to Head Coach from 2017 to 2021.

In July 2021, Leach expanded his NHL coaching experience with the Seattle Kraken, and on June 12, 2024, he rejoined the Bruins as an Assistant Coach, tasked with mentoring the team’s defensive corps and integrating his extensive experience from both the AHL and NHL into his coaching philosophy.

As a player, Leach went on to play college hockey at Providence College from 1997 to 2001, where he served as team captain and laid the foundation for his professional journey. Drafted in the fifth round, 115th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 1998, he played 11 seasons in professional hockey, spending much of his career in the AHL while also appearing in 70 NHL games for teams such as the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and San Jose Sharks.

Dave Lowry served as an Assistant Coach with the Seattle Kraken from 2022 through the end of the 2024–25 season, contributing to the club’s early development as a competitive expansion franchise.

Prior to his time in Seattle, Lowry was promoted to interim Head Coach of the Winnipeg Jets during the 2021–22 season, guiding the team to a 26–22–6 record after Paul Maurice’s midseason departure. His NHL coaching résumé also includes assistant roles with the Los Angeles Kings (2017–19) and Calgary Flames (2009–12).

Lowry has extensive junior experience, having led the Victoria Royals and Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL as Head Coach. He also represented Canada internationally as an Assistant Coach at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship and as Head Coach in 2016.

A former NHL forward, Lowry played in 1,084 regular-season games from 1985 to 2004, suiting up for Vancouver, St. Louis, Florida, San Jose, and Calgary. He is widely respected for his player-first approach, detail-oriented coaching, and ability to work effectively with both veteran leaders and developing talent.

Cail MacLean is in his fourth season as an Assistant Coach with the Calgary Flames, promoted to the NHL staff in 2021 after serving as Head Coach of the Stockton Heat, Calgary’s former AHL affiliate.

A former pro forward, MacLean played 11 seasons across the ECHL, IHL, and AHL before moving into coaching in 2008. He began behind the bench with the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays, first as an assistant and then as Head Coach, leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances and coaching at the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game. He went on to hold roles with Abbotsford (AHL), Adirondack (ECHL), and Stockton (AHL), compiling a 72–65–16 record with the Heat before joining the NHL ranks.

Since arriving in Calgary, MacLean has been recognized for his structured approach, clear communication, and focus on player development. His detail-oriented style and experience working with young talent continue to make him a key part of the Flames’ coaching staff.

Dan Muse was named Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins in June 2025, bringing a strong development track record and nearly two decades of coaching experience across the NHL, NCAA, USHL, and international hockey.

Before joining the Penguins, Muse served as an Assistant Coach with the New York Rangers from 2023 to 2025, overseeing the penalty kill and helping guide the team to a Presidents’ Trophy in 2023–24. He previously spent three seasons as Head Coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team, leading the program to a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship.

Muse also served as an Assistant Coach with the Nashville Predators from 2017 to 2020, including during their 2017–18 Presidents’ Trophy season. Prior to his NHL tenure, he led the Chicago Steel (USHL) to a Clark Cup title in 2017 and held NCAA coaching roles at Sacred Heart and Yale, where he helped the Bulldogs win a national championship in 2013

Known for his detail-oriented style and success in player development, Muse becomes the 24th Head Coach in Penguins franchise history.

Madison Nikkel is entering his sixth season as Video Coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a role he has held since 2019 after previously serving in the same capacity with their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Prior to joining the Penguins organization, Nikkel spent four seasons working with the Boston College men’s hockey program, where he contributed to video coordination and analysis while completing his undergraduate studies. He graduated from Boston College in 2016 with a degree in Economics and Mathematics.

Internationally, Nikkel served as Video Coach for Team USA at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, further cementing his reputation as a trusted technician and strategist at the highest levels of the sport.

Michael Peca joined the Chicago Blackhawks as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2025–26 season. A former NHL captain and Selke Trophy winner, Peca brings a wealth of experience in two-way play, leadership, and player development to the Blackhawks’ bench.

Before his appointment in Chicago, Peca served as an Assistant Coach with the New York Rangers for two seasons from 2023-2025. He previously spent two years in the same role with the AHL’s Rochester Americans and held a player development position with the Washington Capitals during the 2020-21 season. Peca began his post-playing career in junior hockey, serving as Head Coach and General Manager of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.

As a player, Peca skated in 864 NHL games over 14 seasons with Vancouver, Buffalo, the New York Islanders, Edmonton, Toronto, and Columbus. He captained the Buffalo Sabres to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final and was twice awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy (1997, 2002) as the league’s best defensive forward. On the international stage, he represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal, and also captured gold at the 1994 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Peca is known for his defensive IQ, faceoff expertise, and ability to connect with players as they transition into the NHL.

Nolan Pratt is in his ninth season as an Assistant Coach with the Colorado Avalanche, having joined the NHL bench on July 15, 2016. He works closely with the team’s defense and penalty kill units and was part of the staff that guided Colorado to a Stanley Cup championship in 2022.

Pratt has coached alongside Head Coach Jared Bednar since 2012–13, when the two served as assistants with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons. He later helped the Lake Erie Monsters capture the 2016 Calder Cup and has since played a central role in the Avalanche’s current streak of six consecutive playoff appearances and three straight division titles.

Under Pratt’s guidance, Colorado’s defensemen led all NHL teams in scoring for three consecutive seasons from 2020–21 through 2022–23. During the club’s 2022 championship run, the blueline contributed 69 points—among the highest by a defensive corps in modern postseason history. On the defensive side, Colorado has ranked among the NHL’s best in goals allowed and penalty kill efficiency since Pratt joined the staff.

Before transitioning to coaching, Pratt played 11 NHL seasons with Hartford/Carolina, Colorado, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo, winning Stanley Cups with both the Avalanche (2001) and Lightning (2004). A fifth-round pick in 1993, he appeared in 592 NHL games as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman.

Jamie Pringle has served as the Calgary Flames Assistant Coach, Video since 2011, making him one of the longest-tenured members of the club’s coaching staff. Known for his sharp eye and detailed in-game analysis, Pringle plays a critical role in the Flames’ video operations, including game prep, live review, and challenge strategy.

Prior to joining Calgary, Pringle spent three seasons as Video Coach with the Florida Panthers and served in a similar role with Hockey Canada, contributing to medal-winning performances at the IIHF World Championship and back-to-back World Junior Championships in the late 2000s. He began his coaching career in the OHL, working as an Assistant Coach with the Belleville Bulls and Kingston Frontenacs between 1999 and 2006.

Highly regarded across the league for his real-time decision-making and video expertise, Pringle continues to be a behind-the-scenes asset for the Flames’ bench and analytics team.

Joe Sacco joined the New York Rangers as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2024–25 season, bringing more than two decades of NHL experience as both a coach and a player. He spent the previous 11 seasons with the Boston Bruins, serving as Assistant Coach, Associate Coach, and most recently as Interim Head Coach during the 2024–25 campaign.

Prior to his tenure in Boston, Sacco served as Head Coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013. In his first season behind the bench, he guided the team to a playoff appearance and was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. He also spent time as an Assistant Coach with the Buffalo Sabres and developed his coaching foundation in the AHL, leading the Lake Erie Monsters from 2007 to 2009.

A Massachusetts native, Sacco played 738 NHL games over 13 seasons with five different teams—Toronto, Anaheim, the New York Islanders, Washington, and Philadelphia—after a standout collegiate career at Boston University. Known for his calm bench presence, focus on structure, and developmental mindset, Sacco adds veteran leadership and versatility to the Rangers’ staff.

Curtis Sanford has served as the Goaltending Coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs since 2022, bringing both NHL playing experience and a strong development background to the organization.

A former NHL goaltender, Sanford played parts of eight seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, and Columbus Blue Jackets. He also spent three seasons with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL before retiring in 2015. Immediately after his playing career, Sanford moved into coaching, starting as a goaltending development consultant with the Utica Comets (AHL) and later joining the Abbotsford Canucks as their AHL Goaltending Coach in 2021–22.

Since joining the Maple Leafs, Sanford has played a key role in the development and performance of the team’s goaltending group. He is known for his calm approach, technical precision, and focus on mental readiness at the NHL level.

Ben Sexton is entering his second season as an Assistant Coach with the Ottawa Senators, having joined the NHL coaching staff ahead of the 2024–25 season. A former forward and seventh-round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2009, Sexton played seven professional seasons before transitioning into coaching.

He began his coaching career with Ottawa’s AHL affiliate in Belleville, where he served as an Assistant Coach from 2021 to 2023. During his time with the club, Sexton played a key role in developing young talent and helped guide Belleville to its first Calder Cup Playoff appearance in franchise history.

Prior to coaching, Sexton appeared in over 200 AHL games with Providence, Belleville, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and made his NHL debut with the Senators during the 2017–18 season. He retired from professional hockey in 2020 after dealing with post-concussion symptoms.

A native of Ottawa, Sexton played four seasons at Clarkson University, where he served as a two-time captain and was recognized for his leadership and two-way play.

Brad Shaw is a former professional ice hockey defenseman and a seasoned coach currently serving as an Assistant Coach for the New Jersey Devils. Shaw most recently served as the Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2024-25 Season after being promoted on March 27, 2025. Prior to his promotion, he served as an Associate Coach under John Tortorella.

After retiring as a player, Shaw transitioned into coaching, beginning as a player-Assistant Coach with the Detroit Vipers in the IHL before taking on a Head Coaching role in 2000. He then became the Head Coach of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in the AHL from 2002 to 2005. His NHL coaching career started with the New York Islanders in 2005, where he initially served as an Assistant Coach before being promoted to Interim Head Coach mid-season. He later spent a decade with the St. Louis Blues as an Assistant and Associate Coach, helping develop some of the league’s top defensemen. In 2016, he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as an Assistant Coach, followed by a stint with the Vancouver Canucks in 2021. In July 2022, he was named Associate Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, reuniting with Head Coach John Tortorella.

Shaw was drafted 86th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft; his rights were later traded to the Hartford Whalers in 1984. He made his NHL debut during the 1985–86 season and went on to play 377 regular-season games with the Hartford Whalers, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues, recording 22 goals and 137 assists. His professional career also included time in the International Hockey League (IHL) and American Hockey League (AHL), where he contributed as both a player and leader.

Steve Spott is in his third season as an Assistant Coach with the Dallas Stars, joining the organization in July 2022. Spott has helped guide Dallas to consecutive appearances in the Western Conference Final and played a key role in shaping their special teams and defensive structure.

Before arriving in Dallas, Spott spent three seasons behind the bench with the Vegas Golden Knights and previously served as an Assistant Coach with the San Jose Sharks (2015 to 2019) and Toronto Maple Leafs (2014–15). He also held the role of Head Coach with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2013–14 after a successful run in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers, where he was Head Coach from 2008 to 2013 and part of a Memorial Cup-winning staff in 2003.

Internationally, Spott coached Canada to gold at the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and served as Head Coach of Team Canada at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Spott played four seasons at Colgate University before a brief professional playing career.

John Stevens brings over 25 years of professional coaching experience to the Vegas Golden Knights, where he has served as an Assistant Coach since 2022. A three-time Stanley Cup champion behind the bench, Stevens is known for his steady presence, tactical expertise, and leadership in defensive structure and penalty killing.

Before joining Vegas, Stevens served as an assistant with the Dallas Stars (2019–22) and the Los Angeles Kings, where he was part of the coaching staff for their Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014. He was promoted to Head Coach of the Kings in 2017 and held that role through the 2018 season. Earlier in his NHL coaching career, Stevens led the Philadelphia Flyers as Head Coach from 2006 to 2010.

His coaching journey began in the AHL, where he guided the Philadelphia Phantoms to a Calder Cup championship in 2005. A former defenseman, Stevens played 53 NHL games with the Flyers and Hartford Whalers and appeared in more than 800 pro games across the AHL and IHL.

Stevens is recognized across the league for his composed bench presence and long-standing success developing strong team systems.

André Tourigny is entering his fourth season behind the bench as Head Coach of the Utah Hockey Club, having guided the franchise through its transition from Arizona. Hired in July 2021 by the Coyotes, he signed a multi-year extension in 2023 and led the Utah club to 38 wins in its inaugural 2024–25 season.

Tourigny’s coaching career spans over 25 years, beginning in the QMJHL with Shawinigan and Rouyn-Noranda, where he served as General Manager and Head Coach for over a decade. He was named QMJHL Coach of the Year in 2005–06 and later coached in the NHL as an assistant with Colorado and Ottawa.

From 2017–2021, he led the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) as Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations, earning back-to-back OHL Coach of the Year honors (2019, 2020), CHL Coach of the Year in 2020, and guiding the team to consecutive 50-win seasons. Internationally, Tourigny has won gold with Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, 2020 World Juniors, and the 2021 and 2023 IIHF World Championships. He has also earned multiple silver medals, including at the 2010, 2011, and 2021 World Juniors, and the 2022 World Championship.

Known for his defensive structure, emphasis on development, and team-first culture, Tourigny brings extensive experience at every level of hockey to the Utah bench.

Jeff Ulmer joined the Sharks prior to the 2024-25 season after serving as an Assistant Coach with the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL for the previous three seasons, where he worked with the team’s power play and forwards. Ulmer oversaw the development of seven forwards who appeared with the 2023-24 NHL Pacific Division champion Vancouver Canucks over the course of the season, including AHL All-Star Classic participant, 23-year-old Arshdeep Bains, who finished second in scoring on the AHL Canucks with 55 points (16 goals, 39 assists).

The club finished second in the AHL’s Pacific Division in scoring in 2023-24, tied for third in the Western Conference, and sixth overall in the AHL with 234 markers in 72 games. In his first year with Abbotsford, the Canucks finished second in the Pacific Division on the man-advantage as the special teams unit clicked at a 23.0-percent clip. 

Prior to his post in Abbotsford, Ulmer spent two years as Director of Player Development and as a Skills Coordinator with the Arizona Coyotes.

Mike Weber joined the St. Louis Blues as an Assistant Coach in June 2023 following three seasons with the Rochester Americans (AHL), where he was instrumental in developing young defensemen and contributing to multiple playoff runs. Known for his clear communication and commitment to structure, Weber brings a detailed, development-focused perspective to the Blues’ bench.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Weber played nine NHL seasons after being selected in the second round (57th overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He appeared in 351 career NHL games with Buffalo and Washington, establishing himself as a reliable, physical presence on the blue line.

Since transitioning to coaching, Weber has quickly built a reputation as a rising voice behind the bench, valued for his understanding of defensive systems, ability to connect with players, and leadership both on and off the ice.

Bob Woods was part of the Seattle Kraken coaching staff as an Assistant Coach throughout the 2024–25 season. Bob Woods joined the Seattle Kraken as an Assistant Coach ahead of the 2024-25 season. A seasoned bench boss with nearly 30 years of coaching experience, Woods brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the Kraken staff. His NHL resume includes 13 seasons as an Assistant Coach, with previous tenures in Washington (2009-10 to 2011-12), Anaheim (2011-12 to 2013-14), Buffalo (2016-17), and most recently, Minnesota, where he spent parts of seven seasons from 2017-18 to 2023-24.

This appointment reunites Woods with Head Coach Dan Bylsma, marking the second time the two have worked together after their stint in Buffalo during the 2016-17 season.

Before transitioning behind the bench, Woods enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career as a defenseman, competing in the AHL, ECHL, WHL, and other leagues. He was a two-time league champion, winning the 1997 Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears and the 1999 Kelly Cup with the Mississippi Sea Wolves.

He was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in 2012 and was honoured as part of Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Hall of Fame’s 2019 induction class.

Trent Yawney joined the Detroit Red Wings as an Assistant Coach in December 2024, bringing over two decades of professional coaching experience to the bench. Known for his ability to develop defensemen, Yawney has already been credited with helping shape the play of Detroit’s emerging blueliners since joining the staff under Head Coach Todd McLellan.

Yawney’s coaching resume includes NHL assistant roles with the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings, as well as a two-season stint as Head Coach of the Chicago Blackhawks from 2005–07. He also served as a Head Coach in the AHL with both the Norfolk Admirals and Syracuse Crunch.

As a player, Yawney skated in 593 NHL games as a defenseman with Chicago, Calgary, and St. Louis. Originally drafted 45th overall by the Blackhawks in 1984, he played a reliable, stay-at-home style and brought that same disciplined approach to his coaching career.

Rob Zettler has served as an Assistant Coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning since December 2020, bringing more than two decades of professional coaching and playing experience to the bench. 

Prior to rejoining Tampa Bay, Zettler served as an Assistant Coach with the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs, and spent several years with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, including a run to the 2013 Calder Cup Final as Head Coach. His coaching career has been defined by his ability to foster defensive structure and connect with players across different levels.

As a player, Zettler appeared in 569 NHL games over 14 seasons with Minnesota, San Jose, Philadelphia, Toronto, Nashville, and Washington. Drafted 55th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1986, he built a reputation as a dependable stay-at-home defenseman.

Zettler is widely respected for his calm presence behind the bench and his ability to translate playing experience into systems-driven coaching that supports both veteran and emerging players.