OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha hockey head coach
Mike Gabinet announced today that NHL coach
Paul Jerrard has been hired as an assistant coach.
"We are very fortunate to be able to add someone with Paul's reputation, character and work ethic to our staff," said Gabinet. "He has NCAA experience and most recently at the highest level of hockey, running the Calgary Flames' defense and working with their special teams.
"He has a great track record of developing players," Gabinet added. "His hiring shows the level at which our program is committed to excellence. We want to be known as one of the top programs in the country at developing players and people."
Jerrard is a hockey veteran with 21 years as an assistant coach in the National Hockey League, American Hockey League and college hockey. In addition to his last two seasons with Calgary, he also was an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars for two years and with the Colorado Avalanche for one season.
"I want to thank Mike and UNO for giving me this opportunity," said Jerrard. "I've always loved college hockey, and I'm looking forward to working with and developing our players, not just in their hockey careers but academically as well to help them prepare for success in the future."
Jerrard is no stranger to college hockey. He played defense for Lake Superior State from 1983-87, totaling 40 goals and 73 assists for 113 points in 156 games. He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the ninth round of the 1983 Entry Draft.
Following a 10-year professional career that included a stint with the Minnesota North Stars, he returned to his alma mater where he was an assistant coach.
"I couldn't be more excited about the makeup of our coaching staff and everything they will contribute to our program and culture," said Gabinet. "All of our coaches bring a depth of experience and a commitment to our core values, and they will serve our student-athletes extremely well."
Season tickets for 2018-19 are on sale now at the Baxter Arena box office, by phone at (402) 554- MAVS and at OMavs.com/tix.
