Toledo's Watson named associate head coach of Walleye
6/16/2014Longtime Toledo Walleye assistant coach Dan Watson will remain in that position, the team announced today.
Watson took over as head coach of Toledo's ECHL hockey team for the remaining 21 games last season. Watson, 35, was named the interim coach after Nick Vitucci resigned in February when the team had struggled to a 16-31-4 record.
The Walleye named Derek Lalonde the team's new head coach last month. Watson was named the team's associate head coach today.
Watson played seven professional seasons as a defenseman in the American Hockey League, United Hockey League, and ECHL. Watson was an assistant captain under Vitucci in the last season of the Toledo Storm. He was hired as the assistant coach for the Walleye beginning with the inaugural season in 2009-10.
The Glencoe, Ontario native led the Walleye to a 5-13-3 record last season.
“I'm happy to be coming back for my sixth season of Walleye hockey,” Watson said. “After meeting with Derek, I was convinced this is a perfect fit. We will work well together and will work hard to bring winning hockey to Toledo this season. The great fans of Toledo should be excited about what is to come for the 2014-15 season.”
The Walleye open next season at home when they host the Cincinnati Cyclones on Saturday, Oct. 18.