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The seek for a brand new head coach continues, however the Windsor Spitfires have added an NHL-experienced coach to the employees.
On Sunday, the membership employed 41-year-old Kris Newbury as an assistant coach. He’ll work the bench with interim head coach Casey Torres.
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“I reached out to groups a 12 months and a half in the past and despatched out my resume,” Newbury mentioned. “This took place fast and I’m excited to get began and study.”
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The Spitfires have gone 6-4 since Torres assumed the pinnacle teaching duties after the firing of Jerrod Smith on Nov. twentieth. Assistant coach Andy Delmore stepped down a day after Smith was let go and goalie coach Michael Leighton additionally left the workforce a day after that.
Spitfires’ basic supervisor Invoice Bowler mentioned he had hoped to seek out some bench assist through the break for Christmas after serving to get the workforce by means of the 10-game stretch. Bowler has been on the bench throughout that point and can be on it Thursday when Newbury makes his debut with the workforce in Mississauga in opposition to the Steelheads, however he plans to step apart, for essentially the most half, after that and deal with his duties as basic supervisor.
“We wanted the assistance and it’s a busy time for basic managers,” mentioned Bowler, who’s wanting on the OHL commerce deadline in early January. “We watch gamers in addition to coaches and we consider Kris has a future as a coach and the timing is ideal.”
A former first-round choose within the OHL, Newbury began his profession with the Belleville Buls earlier than being traded to the Sarnia Sting. He had loads of rivalry battles with the Spitfires over his enjoying profession in Sarnia. That included an exhilarating first-round playoff sequence in 2000 the place the fifth-seeded Spitfires upset the fourth-seeded Sting in seven video games. Windsor had a 3-1 lead within the sequence, however the Sting rallied to drive a Sport 7, which the Spitfires took in extra time in Sarnia.
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“I haven’t been to the brand new rink, however the outdated one (Windsor Enviornment) had character,” Newbury mentioned. “I bear in mind the wars in Windsor. It’s what I miss essentially the most is these battles. I feel that’s one thing that drives me. I miss being in these battles and dealing for different guys on the workforce.”
A former fifth-round choose by the San Jose Sharks, Newbury performed 17 seasons of professional hockey and bought in time on the NHL stage with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Purple Wings, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.
“His success as a participant, hopefully a few of these issues will translate to our gamers,” Bowler mentioned.
Newbury confirmed himself to be an offensive menace at ahead on the professional stage, but additionally had a bodily aspect to his recreation as nicely.
“The years I performed, I used to be in a position to adapt whether or not is was the AHL or NHL,” Newbury mentioned. “I performed completely different roles in every league. I’m wanting ahead to working with the children and never solely passing my data alongside, but additionally instructing them the right way to be a great human in life.”
Newbury, who now lives in Belleville, ended his professional profession in 2019, however continues to play Senior A hockey.
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“It’s in my blood,” Newbury mentioned.
“It’s simply who I’m,” Newbury mentioned. “I by no means bought out of it, even once I retired.
“It’s nonetheless in my blood and I’m that man that will get up each morning, activates the TV, watches the highlights and tries to get higher.”
As nicely, Newbury has spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Trenton Golden Hawks whereas additionally serving has head coach of the Quinte Purple Devils minor midget AAA workforce this season.
“That was actually enticing to the group,” Bowler mentioned. “Not solely does he have an in depth enjoying profession, however he was to be a coach on the grass roots.
“That info he likes to teach and practice gamers on the minor midget stage, that’s a man that desires to be a coach. We need to develop gamers in addition to coaches and hopefully in the future he’s within the NHL.”
Newbury should step away from all three of these groups as he heads to Windsor and prepares for this primary apply on Wednesday earlier than the membership returns to motion on Thursday at 7 p.m.
jpparker@postmedia.com
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