AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Chris Cichocki named assistant coach

Published on February 18, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday named Chris Cichocki (chih-HAH-kee) as the new assistant coach for the American Hockey League team. His first game alongside head coach Greg Ireland will be on Saturday, when the Griffins visit Cincinnati for a 7:35 p.m. start against the Mighty Ducks.

Cichocki, 41, has spent the last seven seasons as a coach in the ECHL and IHL ranks. In four years as a head coach in the ECHL with Cincinnati (2003-04) and Arkansas (2000-03), he compiled a record of 127-122-39 and twice led his teams to the playoffs.

His coaching career began upon his retirement as a player six games in the 1997-98 IHL season. He remained with Cincinnati as an assistant coach, helping guide the club to three consecutive 40-win seasons and a berth in the 2000 Eastern Conference finals, where the Cyclones fell to the Griffins in five games.

"I had a chance to work with Chris for two years when I was in the ECHL with Dayton and he was an assistant with Cincinnati, our affiliate," said Ireland. "I saw how hard-working, dedicated and passionate he was, as well as some of the fresh ideas he brought to the table.

"I wanted to bring in someone who had not only been at this level as an assistant but had also been a head coach before. On top of that, having known him and having built a friendship, I knew Chris was someone I could hit the ground running with, since there's not a lot of time left in the season," said Ireland.

A Detroit native who played collegiately at Michigan Tech, Cichocki enjoyed a 13-year professional career as a forward, logging 574 points (280-294—574) in 800 regular season contests. He appeared in 68 NHL games with Detroit and New Jersey, including 59 during a 1985-86 rookie season with the Red Wings in which he racked up 21 points (10-11—21).

Cichocki registered at least 23 goals and 51 points in each of his seven full AHL seasons with Adirondack, Utica and Binghamton, averaging nearly a point per game by totaling 431 points (215-216—431) in 490 contests. He completed his playing career during four-plus IHL seasons in Cincinnati (1993-98), helping the team earn four 40-win campaigns, a division title (1996) and two trips to the league semifinals.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2005


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