Phoenix Coyotes ink deal with Atlanta Thrashers former Head Coach as Assistant Coach –NHL Update
Nearly a week after most recent Atlanta Thrashers' head coach, Craig Ramsay, signed a deal with Florida Panthers as their new assistant coach, Phoenix Coyotes hired another Thrashers' former head coach, John Anderson, as an assistant coach on Tuesday, the
12th of July.
Atlanta, a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise which was recently relocated to Winnipeg and became the new Jets' team, was bought by the True North Sports and Entertainment group, which left behind a big chuck of its management.
Anderson had spent the previous two seasons (2008-2009, 2009-2010) as the Atlanta head coach before he was fired for missing the playoffs back-to-back, and maintaining a disappointing record of 70-75-19.
Ramsay also met the same fate the following season he was hired.
Phoenix's general manager, Don Maloney, was happy to announce the decision on Tuesday evening.
"We are very pleased to have John join our coaching staff", said Coyotes' General Manager, Don Maloney. "John has experience as an NHL head coach in addition to having won several championships as a head coach in the American Hockey League. He sees the game
from an offensive perspective and he will be counted on to help improve our offensive performance. Both he and Jim Playfair will be great additions to Dave Tippett’s staff".
Anderson not only has major league experience, but also has spent nearly 11 years in the American Hockey League (AHL), which he spent coaching Atlanta’s minor league affiliate team, Chicago Wolves.
The 54-year-old had a great record in the minor league, as his team qualified for the postseason in 10 out of 11 seasons he was coach.
Throughout his career, Anderson has achieved leading his team to two AHL championships in 2002 and 2008 along with two International Hockey League (IHL) championships in 1998 and 2000.
As a former forward attacker in the NHL, Anderson is well equipped with hockey knowledge, which after spending 12 seasons with teams like Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and Minnesota Whalers, makes him a perfect choice for the position.
Coyotes have made major changes this time around to lead their team to a much better season which starts in October.
Now the only thing they must focus on is the current ownership issues they are facing.
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