Latest:

MiHockey

Your Hockey – Our Hockey – MiHockey

While the Red Wings try to adjust their roster, they also wary of losing their coaching staff. (Photo by Dave Reginek/DRW)
Editor's picks For Coaches For Fans For Parents For Players Griffins Pro Red Wings Slideshow The Latest 

Jeff Blashill named AHL coach of the year

MiHockey Staff
Jeff Blashill (Photo by Mark Newman/Grand Rapids Griffins)

By Michael Caples – 

The American Hockey League announced their coach of the year today, and the award’s going to one of Michigan’s own.

Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, was named this year’s recipient of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award, given to the league’s most outstanding coach as voted by fellow coaches and members of the media in each of the league’s 30 cities.

Blashill, who was born in Detroit and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, has led the defending Calder Cup champions to a 46-22-2-4 record (98 pts.). His Griffins currently sit in second place in the Western Conference and only two points from claiming a second straight Midwest Division title.

The former Red Wings assistant coach has helped 1o Griffins players make NHL debuts this season, as well, in just his second AHL season.

Prior to joining the Red Wings’ organization, Blashill was the head coach of the Western Michigan Broncos. A Ferris State alum (he played goaltender for the Bulldogs), Blashill served as a longtime assistant coach with Miami University before impressing at the USHL level.