The Regina Pats have named the former head coach of the Saskatoon Blades as their new assistant coach, the WHL club announced Wednesday.
Dave Struch was an assistant coach in Saskatoon for seven years before taking the reins as head coach of the Blades last season.
The announcement comes a week after the Pats hired John Paddock as their new head coach.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Regina Pats and for the chance to work with this ownership group,” Struch said in a news release.
“Going through this whole process I never would have seen myself finishing where I am and getting this opportunity. From speaking to John Paddock, we have a similar vision for this team on the ice and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Before coaching the Blades, Struch played 12 seasons of professional hockey, including a stint with the Calgary Flames in the early 90s.
“We are extremely excited to have Dave join our coaching staff,” Regina Pats president Todd Lumbard said in the release.
“He is a key component of our plan to build a winning culture. His passion for teaching and development combined with his experience in the WHL is a huge asset for our hockey club.”
The Pats plan to formally introduce Struch and Paddock at a news conference prior to training camp, which opens Aug. 21 at the Cooperators Centre. The Pats’ first exhibition game is scheduled for Aug. 28.
