The San Jose Sharks held an introductory press conference for new head coach Ryan Warsofsky on Monday.
Warsofsky was promoted to the open position last week after spending two seasons as an assistant with the team.
Warsofsky’s first job in professional hockey came with the South Carolina Stingrays as an assistant coach during the 2013-14 ECHL season. The head coach of the team at the time was current Washington Capitals bench boss Spencer Carbery. Rob Concannon was the team’s President. He thanked both men in an emotional moment during Monday’s presser.
“Sorry, I’m a little emotional because I wear it right on my sleeve as you probably will see,” Warsofsky said. “I emailed a guy when I was in my first year done at [Curry College]. There was an assistant job open in South Carolina in the ECHL. Rob Concannon, who’s here, I emailed him and 10 minutes later he called me and changed my life forever. He’s got some sprinkle dust down there because he’s hired three NHL head coaches in Jared Bednar, Spencer Carbery, [and me]. He’s one of my great friends and love you, Rob.
“Spencer Carbery, like I mentioned, I worked for him for three years. The head coach in Washington right now. He’s the man that molded me into the coach that I am so I need to thank Spence. He’s one of my best friends, he’s had a huge impact on my coaching career, and I can’t thank him enough.”
Warsofsky became the head coach of the Stingrays in 2016 once Carbery departed for a head coaching job with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. South Carolina amassed an 88-44-12 record under Warsofsky and made the playoffs in both of his seasons (2016-2018) in charge, advancing to the Kelly Cup Final in 2017.
Concannon has been the President of the Stingrays for 15 years after previously playing in parts of six seasons with the club during his on-ice career. He was also present at Carbery’s introductory press conference with the Capitals last year.
Warsofsky will take control of a Sharks team still in the middle of a massive rebuilding process. San Jose has missed the playoffs for five straight years. They’ll have the first overall draft selection in the 2024 NHL Draft occurring at the end of June.
