Silvertips hire former Pats head coach Struch as assistant

EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips hired former Regina Pats head coach David Struch as an associate coach, the team announced Thursday.

Struch, 51, worked as an assistant coach, head coach and general manager during his seven seasons in Regina and helped lead the Pats to the 2017-18 Memorial Cup.

“I’m very excited and privileged to have the opportunity to work with this hockey staff, business operations and most importantly the players,” Struch said in a press release. “The Silvertips program has been and continues to be one of the most well-respected organizations in the Canadian Hockey League. I’m looking forward to helping maintain and grow the winning culture that has been developed here in Everett.”

Prior to his time in Regina, Struch spent eight seasons with the Saskatoon Blades as an assistant coach, associate coach and head coach.

Struch also played with the Blades, tallying 134 goals and 151 assists in 253 games from 1988-92 and played 14 seasons professionally, including a four-game stint with the NHL’s Calgary Flames in the 1993-94 season.

“We’re very happy to have David join our staff,” Silvertips general manager/head coach Dennis Williams said. “He comes to us with terrific experience both in the WHL and at the international level. He has tremendous knowledge of the game, he’s incredibly passionate and has a keen eye for developing players on and off the ice. With his track record as a leader and a communicator, we know he’ll be a welcome addition to our staff and our program. We’re looking forward to welcoming him and his family to the Everett organization.”

The Silvertips begin training camp for the 2022-23 season in early September with their first preseason game scheduled for Friday, Sept. 9, at Angel of the Winds Arena.