Manitoba Moose Announce Staff Additions Ahead of Upcoming Season

Winnipeg's AHL Moose announced several updates for their hockey operations staff Thursday.

The Manitoba Moose Hockey Club announced several updates to its hockey operations staff today, including the promotion of Cole Hillier to Head Equipment Manager. The club also welcomed Kody Degenstien as Video Coach, Scott Hlady as Assistant Equipment Manager, and Richard Girardin as Strength and Conditioning Coach & Assistant Athletic Therapist.

Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) on X UPDATES: Cole Hillier promoted to head equipment manager 🏒 Kody Degenstien hired as video coach📹 Scott Hlady hired as assistant equipment manager🏒 Richard Girardin hired as strength and conditioning trainer & assistant athletic therapist💪

Hillier moves into the head equipment role after spending the past two seasons as the Moose’s assistant equipment manager. He previously served as equipment manager for the WHL’s Winnipeg ICE from 2020 to 2023. His professional experience also includes two seasons in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen, first as assistant equipment manager (2018–19) and later as head equipment manager (2019–20).

Joining the Moose as video coach is Kody Degenstien, who most recently held the role of video coach and team services manager with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. Degenstien also spent time in the same role with the Newfoundland Growlers and has worked with Brock University and the OHL’s London Knights. He replaces Alex Matheson, who recently joined the NHL’s New Jersey Devils after three seasons with the Moose.

Veteran equipment manager Scott Hlady joins the team as assistant equipment manager following 13 seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings. He became the Wheat Kings' first full-time equipment manager and played a key role during their 2015 WHL Championship season. 

Rounding out the new hires is Winnipeg native Richard Girardin, who brings over 17 years of experience in athletic therapy and strength and conditioning. Girardin is the owner of Perimeter Therapy Inc., and also works as a strength coach at Focus Fitness and as an athletic therapist for the ATP Challenger Tour. His previous hockey experience includes roles with the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Eagles and the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors and Langley Chiefs.

What Will It Take For Winnipeg to Win the Stanley Cup? After a franchise-best year with elite offense and the league’s top defense, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets">Winnipeg </a>must replicate championship-caliber numbers.