Rocky Thompson is the new head coach of the Windsor Spitfires.
Thompson, 37, spent last season as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL.
"I'm very excited to come to a hockey city like Windsor that has a strong history," Thompson said in a news release. "Two Memorial Cup championships. A great tradition. I'm excited to be part of another chapter in the club's history."
Thompson says he sees similarities between himself, GM Warren Rychel and president Bob Boughner. Boughner announced Thursday he is stepping down as the Spitfires head coach.
"We weren't the greatest players," says Thompson. "But we put our noses to the grindstone and found a way to get to the highest level of hockey. That's what we're able to instill in our players, without a doubt.”
The Calgary native also served four years as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Barons of the AHL from 2010-14 and three with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings from 2007-10.
Thompson's junior and professional career spanned 14 years between the WHL, AHL and NHL.
“When we sat down with Rocky, I was really blown away by his character and his knowledge on the game,” Rychel said. “He's worked hard for everything he's achieved, both as a player and a coach.”
Thompson says he's ready to get started. He believes he's the right fit for the Spitfires.
"I'm a good fit because I develop players," he said. "I've had a great track record working with a lot of stars. I was able to work with Taylor Hall when he was in the American League and when I was up in the NHL last year.”
He will be joined by assistant coach Jerrod Smith and a third coach, expected to be hired in the coming days.
