AHL Peoria Rivermen

Gruden to Assist Christie behind the Bench

Published on August 21, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


Head Coach Jason Christie announced on Wednesday the hiring of former Rivermen defensemen Luke Gruden as the team's Assistant Coach. The 26-year old from Hastings, Minnesota becomes Peoria's 2nd full-time assistant coach since joining the ECHL. Gruden played for the Rivermen from 1999-2001 before ending is playing days due to an injury. Most recently he returned to the University of Wisconsin in Madison to finish his education where he received this past July a Degree in Sociology.

Christie says, "I played with Luke when we won the Kelly Cup and I coached him the following season. I know what he can bring to the table and I am very excited to have Luke on my staff." Gruden starts immediately with the Rivermen.

Last year Luke coached Peoria's Midget AA team, that finished 2nd in the Northern Illinois Hockey League. Midget AA consists of high school age players. Luke comes from a hockey family, where his brother John has played in 475 games including 81 games in the NHL for Boston and Ottawa. John is now in Europe playing in the German Elite League.

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American Hockey League Stories from August 21, 2002


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