ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The St. Charles Chill announced at a press conference today that former St. Louis Blues Defenseman Jamie Rivers will be the team’s inaugural head coach.
The St. Charles Chill President and General Manager Nicole Kupaks made the announcement at the press conference, held at the Family Arena, the Chiill’s home ice.
Rivers, who resides with his family in St. Charles, was signed in 1993 by the St. Louis Blues and through his career has played in 454 NHL hockey games. Rivers will take the helm as the very first head coach for the St. Charles Chill Hockey Team. “Jamie is a hometown favorite,” Kupaks said. “…and most importantly, his experience in the National Hockey League, and his skill set as a player and coach is exactly what we were looking for. We are confident Jamie can bring the St. Charles Chill onto the ice in 2013 prepared to compete at an elite level, and give our fans the best game experience possible at the St. Charles Family Arena.” During Rivers’ 20 year career as a professional hockey player, he played five seasons with the St. Louis Blues, and also played for other NHL teams including the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Detroit Redwings. While in the NHL, he scored 17 goals, recorded 49 assists, and played in 15 NHL playoff games. He was presented the Top Defenseman award for the New York Islanders in 2000. Rivers was also part of the Detroit Redwings organization that won the Presidents Trophy during their run for the Stanley Cup in 2004. ‘Am I excited? You bet,” Rivers said, “I was on the ice at Hardees Ice Rink in Chesterfield when I heard a new hockey team was coming to town. I setup a meeting with Ms. Kupaks, and am very pleased to have been selected.” “Jamie may have been born in Ottawa, Ontario, but St. Charles is where he calls home,” Kupaks added. “He has been so active in local community, we feel he will be a natural fit and an instant fan favorite.” Rivers’ initial duties will be in the front office taking care of business matters related to the formation of a new hockey team. This includes marketing and building partnerships with key players in the St. Louis market, including the St. Louis Blues. “Our first training camp is scheduled for October, 2013,” Rivers said, “…but until then, there is a business side to this, and as a coach, there are a lot of variables such as finance, marketing the brand, and preparing contracts. We are going to keep it fun and upbeat. It is very important for our players to remember these are the best times of their lives, and to never lose sight of that. They are playing the game they love and need to stay with that attitude. My reward as a coach will be seeing these kids advance their career to a higher level.” Contact comments@prohockeynews.com
Follow us on Twitter: @prohockeynews
You must be logged in to post a comment.