Sharks Announce Coaching Staff
NHL & AHL Staffs Set
The San Jose Sharks announced today that the organization has selected its coaching staffs at both the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) levels.
Bob Boughner has been named the ninth head coach in Sharks history after serving as the interim head coach for 37 games during the 2019-20 season. Along with Boughner, the Sharks have named Rocky Thompson as associate coach and John Madden as assistant coach.
“Bob did a tremendous job last season, getting our group back to playing with an identity and structure that we need in order to be successful,” said Wilson. “We saw a marked improvement in our play in several key areas during the second half of the season, before losing some key players to injury.
“We’re also very pleased to add Rocky and John to our staff. Both come with a wealth of experience, both in playing the game and as teachers and leaders. With a healthy and motivated group of players, we are confident that this staff will do a terrific job leading our group in the coming years.”
Evgeni Nabokov will return as the team’s goaltending coach, Dan Darrow will remain in his current role of assistant coach, video and Charlie Townsend will continue to serve as hockey analyst/assistant to the NHL coaching staff.
Mike Ricci, who spent the final 37 games of the 2019-20 season as an assistant coach with the Sharks, will serve as NHL development coach.
In addition, Wilson announced that Roy Sommer will return as head coach of the San Jose Barracuda (AHL), after serving as associate coach for the Sharks for the final 37 games of the 2019-20 season. Sommer’s staff will include Assistant Coaches Jimmy Bonneau, Mike Chiasson, Video Coach and Hockey Operations Assistant Nick Gialdini, and AHL Development Coach John McCarthy. The Barracuda have also hired Dany Sabourin as goaltending development coach.
“I want to thank Roy Sommer and Mike Ricci for stepping in under some challenging circumstances to help lead our NHL club last season,” said Wilson. “The role that Roy and Mike play in continuing to teach and develop our young players is amongst the most important in our organization.”