Jared Staal becomes the second head coach in Savannah Ghost Pirates franchise history

The Savannah Ghost Pirates announced that Jared Staal has been named the second head coach in franchise history. The 33-year-old takes over for Rick Bennett, who was relieved of his duties in February.

Staal previously served as an assistant coach for the AHL's Charlotte Checkers for the last two years. Before that, he was with the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears for three seasons, initially as an assistant coach for two years before being promoted to associate coach in his third year. He started his coaching career with the OHA Edmonton Prep Team, where he served as an assistant coach for two years.

"We are very excited to welcome Jared and his family to the Ghost Pirates as our next Head Coach," Zawyer Sports Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Ernst said in a press release. "With Jared's experience in both the ECHL and AHL as a player and an assistant coach, along with knowing what it takes to build a winning team in the ECHL, he is the perfect fit. Jared's vision in how we build our winning team with his recruiting, preparation, communication and teaching will hold players accountable while establishing a winning culture that our great fans in Savannah deserve this upcoming season."

"I'm really thankful for this opportunity," Staal said. "I'm excited to immerse my family into the culture and be a significant part of the Savannah community. We are eagerly looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to work. I've heard nothing but great things about the fans, the arena and the in-game experience. I'm just so excited to be a part of it and do the best job I can for the organization."

The former forward, drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the second round, 49th overall, of the 2008 NHL Draft, played professionally in the AHL with San Antonio, Charlotte, and Providence and in the ECHL with Florida and South Carolina. 

Staal spent his final season with the Edinburgh Capitals, where he tallied 12 goals and 33 points in 44 games before retiring. He is the younger brother of Eric, Marc, and Jordan Staal.

The Ghost Pirates become the third ECHL team to fill their heading coaching vacancy in the last couple of weeks, following the appointments of Jared Nightingale for South Carolina and Jason Binkley for Reading.