The Buffalo Sabres have announced the following changes to their coaching staff:
The Sabres have brought back Matt Ellis as an assistant coach after he was named the team’s interim assistant coach back on March 17th. Marty Wilford and former ECHL bench boss Jason Christie have been hired as assistant coaches under Head Coach Don Granato. Justin White has been hired as a video coach, meanwhile, assistant coach Mike Bales and video coach Myles Fee will both be on Buffalo’s coaching staff for the 2021-22 season.
Dan Girardi, who was an assistant coach last season under the direction of Don Granato, will step down from his post as assistant coach and remain with the Sabres in a player development capacity.
An interesting hire by Buffalo, with the addition of Jason Christie, as he’s the ECHL’s all-time leader in wins, owning a total of 667. It’s also worth noting that Christie is the league’s all time leader in both games coached, as well as seasons coached. Jumping between the ECHL and AHL, Christie brings a ton of head coaching experience and is going to work well with the many young players who will be on the roster this year. Coming over from the Jacksonville Icemen, he’s been the only coach in the team’s four-year existance.
Marty Wilford is a former AHL assistant coach, a role he held for seven years before receiving a promotion to the National Hockey League. That saw him join the Anaheim Ducks, where he spent three seasons as an assistant coach.
Matt Ellis being retained as an assistant coach was a very smart move by the Buffalo Sabres. Ellis previously worked as the team’s Director of Player Development. His message to young players and prospects resonated well with the club, words that earned praise from both players and colleagues.