Former NHL player Matt Stajan signs to coach in WHL

Former NHL player Matt Stajan has reportedly signed to coach with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. Stajan will be joining head coach Steve Hamilton and assistant coach Trent Cassan as an assistant coach himself.

«We are so pleased to be able to add a well-respected former player such as Matt Stajan to our coaching staff; his NHL playing experience is innumerable and will be a great asset to our club,» said Calgary Hitmen General Manager Jeff Chynoweth. «At the same time, we want to thank Joel for his many years of service with the Hitmen.»

When Stajan was asked about moving on from his playing career to coaching, he expressed his excitement, especially staying within the Calgary Sports & Entertainment group.

«I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to help these young men grow and develop at this early stage of their careers. It will be great to learn the coaching and development side of the game, working alongside Steve, Trent and Brad.»

Stajan formerly played in 1,003 NHL games between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. He tallied 146 goals and 413 points across that time. Stajan most recently played with Munich EHC in the Deutsche Eishockey League in Germany before retiring completely from professional hockey in 2019.

NEWS: Hitmen announce the hiring of Matt Stajan as assistant coach.— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) September 9, 2021

MUST READ

2 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Don Cherry Brutally Calls Out Darnell Nurse for Actions Leading to Ryan Reaves' Suspension

2 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Columbus Blue Jackets Linked in Trade to 75-Point Scorer by NHL Writer

14 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

16 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Department of Player Safety Makes Official Ruling On Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

17 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Canadian Team Unexpectedly Places 6-Foot-3 Enforcer on the NHL Waiver Wire

17 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Elliotte Friedman Hints at Trade of 30 Million Dollar Defenseman to Canadian Team

20 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 900-Game NHL Veteran Likely to Retire After Refusing to Sign With Canadian Team

21 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Addresses Struggling Player Nick Robertson in New Interview

MORE STORIES