WHL Spokane Chiefs

Sawyer Returns as Chiefs Assistant

Published on June 23, 2005 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


The Spokane Chiefs have announced that Kevin Sawyer will return to the bench for his second season as Assistant Coach. Sawyer will be new Head Coach Bill Peters' lone assistant.

Rikard Gronborg, who served with Sawyer as an Assistant Coach last year, will not be retained.

"Having to choose between Rikard and Kevin was a very difficult decision to make," Peters said.

"They are both very qualified, but I felt that Kevin offers what I don't have, WHL and professional playing experience.

The 31-year-old Sawyer re-joined the Chiefs organization last season as an Assistant Coach and became the first former player to return to Spokane and take on a full-time coaching position. Sawyer played in Spokane from 1992-95 and served as team captain in the organization's final season in the "Boone Street Barn" in 1994-95. Originally from Christina Lake, British Columbia, Sawyer owns the franchise record for career penalty minutes with 989 in 176 games.

"I have known Kevin for 10-years and watched him become a self-made player. He came to Spokane as an 18-year-old rookie, left as the 20-year-old captain and was given an opportunity, professionally, as a free agent. Kevin brings the same work ethic and determination to the coaching staff that he showed as a player," Peters said.

Of Sawyer's 110 career games in the National Hockey League, 97 were played with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks from 2000 to 2003. In 2001-02, Sawyer played a career high 57 games and finished fourth in the NHL with 221 penalty minutes. The following year of 2002-03, his last in the NHL, Sawyer played 31 games and posted 115 penalty minutes. Overall, Sawyer played eight years of professional hockey.

"I am very comfortable with Bill's decision. I think the world of Kevin Sawyer and couldn't be happier having a former Chiefs player as a part of our staff," Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz said. "At the same time, this is a difficult decision because it eliminates an opportunity for Rikard. He was excellent with our organization and will be a quality head coach in the future. Our entire organization wishes him the best of luck."

"I was very impressed with Rikard throughout the whole process. He is a good person and has a good hockey mind." Peters finished.

Sawyer and his wife Jessica have two children, 2-year-old Jack and nine-month old Anna.

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