Thunder Hire Alumni Darren Reid
Drayton Valley Thunder Head Coach and General Manager Eric Thurston, is pleased to announce that the Thunder have hired Darren Reid as the new Assistant Coach.
Darren played with the Thunder for three seasons from 1999 – 2002 winning the North Division Championship in 2001 and the League Championship in 2002. Fans will remember Darren as a hard nose character player who put his teammates first and put the puck in the net. He is remembered for his commitment and leadership that supported the team to win those championships.
Darren has had an incredible playing career spanning 11 seasons, playing AJHL, WHL, ECHL AHL and in the NHL for both the Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Darren’s accomplishments include winning two Calder cups, in 2003-04 winning the Western Hockley League, winning the MVP of the WHL Playoffs and racking up more goals in league and playoff play than any other player. In his rookie season in the AHL Reid was named the league's hardest working player.
“We are incredibly excited to have Darren join our organization,” said Eric Thurston. “He is a character guy who has played at every level of the game. He will help our players not only develop their skills but teach them what it takes to prepare, compete and advance to the next level of their hockey career. Darren has a proven record of winning championships and he will bring that work ethic and dedication to our room as we continue our goal of building a winning culture and tradition here in Drayton Valley”
“I am very excited to have been chosen as the Assistant Coach of the Thunder.” Said Reid. “The game of hockey has been part of my DNA since I can remember. I am totally passionate about it. This is a fantastic opportunity to teach and develop these young athletes and share with them all I have learned. I want to be a Head Coach some day and I am thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to develop my coaching skills with the mentorship and guidance of Eric Thurston. Eric is a true professional who knows what it takes to build a culture of pride and commitment and develop athletes into leaders, something I learned as a player and something I am committed to restore here in Drayton Valley.”
Darren will be starting his new role on August 8, 2018. He is looking forward to returning to the Community of Drayton Valley.
Contact:
Eric Thurston, Head Coach and General Manager
Drayton Valley Thunder
Eric.thurston@dvthunder.ca
780-542-7846
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