The St Louis Blues have named a new coach for the Springfield Thunderbirds. Steve Konowalchuck will take control of the team at the start of the new season.
"We went through an extensive interview process, and through those conversations, it became clear that Steve best fit what we were seeking in a head coach," said Thunderbirds General Manager Kevin Maxwell. "We look forward to seeing him work with the next wave of Blues prospects and developing them into successful NHL players in St. Louis."
Konowalchuk, 51, spent last season as an associate coach with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, where he helped lead the team to a 40-25-7 regular-season record and a 5th-place finish in the Western Conference.
As a player, Konowalchuk was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1991 and enjoyed a 14-year NHL career. Overall, he dressed in 790 career NHL regular-season games, including 693 with the Capitals. He also represented the United States in several international competitions, including the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, where he captured a gold medal.
The Thunderbirds start the 2024 season October 12 against a team that has yet to be determined.
(Photo: Springfield Thunderbirds)