Gerry Fleming Named Assistant Coach
Published on June 30, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, MA - The Springfield Falcons, proud members of the American Hockey League, announced today that Gerry Fleming has been named assistant coach of the Falcons by their National Hockey League affiliate, the Edmonton Oilers. Fleming will join head coach Jeff Truitt and assistant coach David Bell to complete the Falcons' coaching staff for the 2008-09 season.
Fleming spent the previous seven seasons (2001-2008) with the ECHL's Florida Everblades compiling a regular season record of 282-162-60 in 504 career games as Florida's bench boss. The 40-year-old native of Montreal, Quebec led the Everblades to the Kelly Cup Playoffs in each of his seven seasons with Florida, including back-to-back trips to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2004 and 2005. Fleming amassed more regular season wins (282) in his seven years with Florida than any other ECHL coach in that same time period, while also posting a post-season record of 39-31 in 70 playoff games with the Everblades.
"Gerry joins our coaching staff with the reputation of being a very good teacher and communicator with players," said Falcons head coach Jeff Truitt. "He has posted a very impressive regular season and playoff record over the last seven years and he thinks the game very well. Both myself and David Bell are very excited to welcome Gerry to our coaching staff."
Fleming started his pro coaching career within the Montreal Canadiens organization serving as an assistant coach with the AHL's Fredericton Canadiens and Quebec Citadelles from 1998-2000. His first head coaching stint occurred during the 2000-01 campaign with the ECHL's Tallahassee Tiger Sharks where he compiled a record of 38-27-7, the third best record in team history.
"During Gerry's time with Tallahassee, the Edmonton Oilers had some prospects on the Tiger Sharks' roster," said Truitt. "His knowledge of the Oilers organization will serve as a strong asset as we prepare for the 2008-09 season."
Prior to his coaching career, Fleming played seven professional seasons starting in 1991 and concluding in 1998. Fleming spent all seven years playing within the Montreal Canadiens organization, splitting time in both Fredericton and Montreal. In 271 AHL regular season games played, Fleming collected 38 goals and 65 assists for 103 points and 1,035 penalty minutes. In 1998, he became only the second player in Fredericton team history to have his jersey number retired. Fleming played in 11 career NHL games, all with Montreal.
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