The Big Rig is taking a step into the coaching world. On Friday, the Muskegon Lumberjacks [https://muskegonlumberjacks.com/news/2025/8/15/mens-ice-hockey-pat-maroon-joins-lumberjacks-coaching-staff.aspx] of the United States Hockey League (USHL) [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl] announced that former Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] forward Pat Maroon has been hired as an assistant coach. Maroon, 37, retired from the NHL following the 2024-25 season, which he spent with the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks]. Since then, he’s remained involved with the Lightning, taking part in community events and coaching at the team’s youth development camps. "We are excited to add Pat to our coaching staff. As a program, we are always self-evaluating on how we get better,” said President Steve Lowe [https://muskegonlumberjacks.com/news/2025/8/15/mens-ice-hockey-pat-maroon-joins-lumberjacks-coaching-staff.aspx]. “When this opportunity was presented to us, it was hard to turn down. Adding someone like Pat, who has three Stanley Cup rings, is something that doesn't come along very often. Pat will be a great mentor for our players, coaching staff, and everyone at the Muskegon Lumberjacks." Maroon won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, earning a reputation for his candor and ability to motivate the room. "I'm really looking forward to working with a winning organization and learning from the coaches, players, and management. I'm also really excited to help the players develop and get 1% better to push them to the next level,” said Maroon. You can’t ignore the physical nature of his game either. Maroon logged 1,590 hits in 848 career games. "Bringing Pat Maroon into our organization is a game-changing move for the Muskegon Lumberjacks," head coach Colten St. Claire said. "His championship pedigree, leadership presence, and relentless compete level are exactly what we want our players to emulate." St. Clair continued, "Pat knows what it takes to win, and his influence will elevate our locker room, our culture, and our pursuit of excellence."
