Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche announced on Tuesday, July 8th, that they have replaced the assistant coaching vacancy left by the firing of Ray Bennett with former Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Avalanche. This is a proud organization with a lot of talented players and a tremendous coaching staff led by Jared Bednar. I look forward to being a part of this special group and can't wait to get to work and help the team in any way that I can. My family and I are also very much looking forward to being a part of this community and wonderful state of Colorado.”- Hakstol on joining the Avalanche's coaching staff
Hakstol, 56, coached the Kraken from 2021-2024, leading them to the second round of the Stanley Cup Finals in the 2022-23 season as a wild card team and was named as a finalist for the Jack Adams Award that same year.
He will join assistant coach Nolan Pratt, assistant/video coach Brett Heimlich, and goaltending coach Jussi Parkkila on Jared Bednar's coaching staff.
“Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience behind the bench and will be a great fit on Jared's staff. He has an extensive coaching background with a lot of success and will be a valuable addition to our team.”- Chris MacFarland on hiring Hakstol, via Avalanche Media Relations
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