Assistant Coach

Capitals hire Mitch Love as an assistant coach

The Washington Capitals announced on Thursday that they have hired Mitch Love as an assistant coach. Love is the first coach to join Spencer Carbery’s staff from outside of the organization.

The 39-year-old Love spent last season coaching the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers and was considered a “prized AHL coach”, garnering interest across the NHL.

Love was rumored to being getting consideration for the Calgary Flames open head coaching position. He will primarily handle the Capitals’ defensemen.

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By Ian Oland 5 months ago

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Capitals promote internally, name Scott Allen new assistant coach

The Washington Capitals found their replacement for Scott Arniel and they didn’t have to look very far.

The Capitals are promoting Hershey Bears head coach Scott Allen into the position. Allen, just like Arniel did, will work the Capitals’ forwards and penalty kill. He joins assistant coaches Kevin McCarthy, Blaine Forsythe, and goaltending coach Scott Murray already on Peter Laviolette’s staff.

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By Ian Oland 1 year ago

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Boston College hires Brooks Orpik as an assistant coach

Former Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik has been hired as an assistant coach for the Boston College Eagles. Orpik, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, played for Boston College from 1998 through 2001 and won an NCAA title during his final year with the team. Orpik’s family lives near Boston.

According to the Capitals, the 40-year-old will also continue his role in the Capitals’ Player Development Department, where he works with defensive prospects playing for the Hershey Bears.

“Brooks is still with our organization in the same role,” a Capitals spokesman said. “Helping out with BC. Not full time.”

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By Ian Oland 3 years ago

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Henderson Silver Knights hire former Capitals Joel Ward and Jamie Heward as assistant coaches

The Vegas Golden Knights’ new AHL franchise, the Henderson Silver Knights, rounded out their coaching staff on Monday. The Silver Knights hired former players Joel Ward and Jamie Heward to be assistant coaches under head coach Manny Viveiros. Both assistants have Washington Capitals connections.

Ward’s hire was first reported last week by The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell.

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By Ian Oland 3 years ago

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Capitals Name Todd Reirden Assistant Coach

Reirden and his crazy eyes.

Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Todd Reirden was not unemployed long. After the Pens hired the WHL’s Mike Johnston as their new coach early on Wednesday, Reirden was fired. A mere eight hours later, Reirden was employed once again, this time by new Capitals coach Barry Trotz. Reirden will take over parts of both Calle Johansson and Blaine Forsythe’s roles with the team.

So who is he? First and foremost: a former player that was in my old video games. Long since retired, Reirden’s been an assistant coach since 2008. Working with the Pens last season, Reirden worked closely with Pittsburgh’s defensemen (ranked 7th in goals in 2013-14) and the power play unit, which — according to the Capitals PR — scored the most power-play goals (164) and posted the highest power-play percentage (22.3%) in the NHL since 2011. That’s exciting.

Pittsburgh has been an elite team for a long, long time with a slew of offensive superstars in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. It’ll be interesting to see how much Reirden’s systems and coaching impact the Capitals.

But baby, I’m ready for the ride.

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By Ian Oland 9 years ago

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