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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Nelson Makes Move to Muskegon

July 30, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Grand Rapids Griffins assistant coach Todd Nelson, who spent parts of five seasons with the organization as either a player or coach, today was named head coach of the United Hockey League's Muskegon Fury.

A former standout defenseman for the Griffins, Nelson became the first player signed by the fledgling franchise on July 24, 1996. The 34-year-old capped a brilliant 12-year playing career in 2002 as a player/assistant coach for Muskegon, helping current Griffins and then-Fury head coach Danton Cole lead the team to the UHL's Colonial Cup championship. When Cole returned to Grand Rapids to become the Griffins' bench boss in June 2002, he quickly secured Nelson as his assistant. Together, the pair guided the Griffins to an AHL Central Division title and the best record (48-22-8-2) in the Western Conference in 2002-03. Grand Rapids fell to eventual Calder Cup champion Houston in the conference finals.

"It's a great opportunity for Nellie and it will be great for his development," said Cole. "As far as learning as a coach, there's probably no better way than to get out on your own and run your own show. It's something we worked on the last couple years, putting him in a position where, if the opportunity arose, he could (become a head coach) and be successful. "It will be hard to replace Todd, both as a coach but more importantly as a person. He's a tremendous person who worked well with the players and worked extremely well with me and made me a better coach. He'll be hard to replace, but we wish him the best," added Cole.

Although Nelson played for 11 different teams during his career, he made his most lasting impact as a member of the Griffins during parts of four seasons. After playing alongside Cole during Grand Rapids' first two seasons (1996-98), Nelson returned to West Michigan in 1999-2000 and was a key member of the Griffins team that advanced to the International Hockey League's Turner Cup finals. He led the league with a plus-36 rating and was named an honorable mention IHL All-Star at year's end.

Nelson reunited with the Griffins for a seven-game stint in 2001-02, finishing among the team's all-time leaders with 236 games played (3rd), 56 assists (7th), a plus-53 rating (6th) and 305 shots (9th). He appeared in 887 regular season contests during his pro career, totaling 80 goals, 311 assists, 391 points and 599 penalty minutes. The native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, was at his best during the playoffs, winning a Calder Cup championship with the AHL's Portland Pirates in 1994. He also made two trips to the Turner Cup finals, including in 1992 as a member of the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

A fourth-round selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Nelson appeared in three regular season and four playoff games with the Penguins and Washington Capitals between 1991-94. His career highlights included consecutive IHL All-Star Game appearances in 1992 and 1993.

The Griffins have already begun their search for a new assistant coach, with an announcement expected in the near future. "I would like to have someone in place fairly soon," said Cole. "There are some great people out there, many of whom I've already talked to. We're looking for someone who relates well to the players, is a good teacher, and brings a wealth of hockey knowledge with them. Most of all, we're looking for somebody who can help us win a championship."

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