News just broke via TBL’s official Twitter that the Lightning have hired former Maple Leafs assistant Rob Zettler as assistant coach of the Syracuse Crunch. According to the Internets,
Zettler (born March 8, 1968 in Sept-Îles, Quebec) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota North Stars, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals.
Zettler retired in 2002, after 569 career games. After his playing career, Zettler spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks. He joined Toronto’s coaching staff in 2008. His tenure under Leafs’ headcoach Ron Wilson has been kind of patchy, and I get the impression Zettler is looking for a fresh start with a new organization. The AHL is a great place to go to restart a coaching career. With HC Jon Cooper’s tenure here unknown–we have him now, but many figure he won’t be here for too many more seasons–I’m sure Tampa was looking for someone who could possibly provide stability should Cooper leave next season.
Here is the Syracuse Crunch’s news release on the topic.
Opinions are already coming in via Twitter from the front office, with Crunch Chief Operating Officer Jim Sarosy tweeting: Looking forward to working with Rob Zettler. Great addition. Mike Folsom, Sr. Director of Promotional Development, threw in his two cents by tweeting: Excited to have yet another seasoned NHL’er come to Syracuse! Welcome to the SyrCrunch Rob Zettler!!! And finally, Chairman How just tweeted this: Another great hire by Lightning in naming veteran NHL coach Rob Zettler as assistant for Crunch.
Welcome, coach!
