Hawgood Named Interim Head Coach
November 8, 2007 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release
Kamloops, BC - The Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club announces today the hiring of Blazer alumnus Greg Hawgood as the team's Interim Head Coach.
Hawgood, whose #4 jersey hangs from the Interior Savings Centre rafters, is a veteran of 310 WHL games - all with Kamloops. Hawgood is the Blazers all-time leading scorer among defensemen and second overall - behind only Rob Brown - with 147 goals, 326 assists, and 437 points in five different seasons from 1983 to 1988.
Following his stellar junior tenure, during which he was a 10th round selection of the Boston Bruins in 1986, Hawgood went on to a professional career spanning 19 seasons which featured 1220 games, over 200 goals, and in excess of 800 points. Included in the Edmonton-native's resume are 474 NHL games in which he recorded 60 goals and 224 points with Boston, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Florida, San Jose, Dallas, and Vancouver. He also played in American Hockey League, the International Hockey League, and elite leagues in Finland and Italy before retiring as a player in 2006.
"Greg is a consummate hockey professional," said Blazer co-owner Mark Recchi. "He has spent the majority of his life in and around the game and we are extremely pleased that he has decided to rejoin the Blazer franchise and bring his vast amount of experience and knowledge to our young players."
"This is a great opportunity for me to get back in the game and I couldn't be more excited to be starting my junior coaching career here in the city where we had so much success," said the 39-year-old Hawgood. "I am looking forward to the challenge of getting up to speed and helping this team get back on its feet right away."
Hawgood joins the team today and will make the trip to Spokane. He will be on the bench tomorrow night as the Blazers visit the Chiefs.
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Western Hockey League Stories from November 8, 2007
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- Portland and Warriors Make Multi-Player Deal - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Americans Announce October Award Winners - Tri-City Americans
- Blazers Acquire Calla From Warriors - Kamloops Blazers
- Hawgood Named Interim Head Coach - Kamloops Blazers
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