WATCH ABOVE: The Edmonton Oilers made it official; Ian Herbers is joining the club as an assistant coach. As Quinn Phillips reports, Herbers leaves behind an incredibly successful hockey program at the University of Alberta.
EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers rounded out the coaching staff Tuesday, adding University of Alberta Golden Bears Head Coach Ian Herbers as a third assistant.
“It’s a great situation for me because I get to work with one of the best coaches in the game and a very talented group of players,” said Herbers.
The local coaching product wasn’t looking for a new job, but was asked to meet Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan for a chat at this month’s Oilers development camp. He’s known the Oilers new head coach since he was a player and assistant coach under McLellan with the Cleveland Lumberjacks in the 2000-2001 season.
Herbers is leaving a program he coached for three years. He led the Bears to back-to-back national championships and three straight Canada West titles; his overall regular season record an astonishing 72-12.
“He’s very good at what he does,” said Alberta Golden Bears General Manager Stan Marple. “His attention to detail is excellent. He’ll be a great addition to the Oilers coaching staff, no doubt.”
“I’ll get a chance to bring in different thoughts, different ideas, different views on the game.”
This is a big loss for the Alberta Bears, but it’s a proud day for the program.
On top of Herbers moving on to the NHL, alumni Derek Ryan signed his first NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward T.J. Foster, the team’s regular season leading scorer last year, signed a professional contract with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies.
“We’re about development, ” said Marple. “We’re here to develop our players to be the best that they can be, both academically and athletically. Same with our coaches.
“Ian’s proven that he’s an excellent coach and he deserves this opportunity.”
Herbers returns to the Oilers, although his stint as a player was a short one playing 22 games in the 1993-94 season. He made his NHL debut at Rexall Place on October 6, 1993.
“Again, it started from the Golden Bears program,” said Herbers. “In that situation I was playing for the Bears at that time.
“Both my NHL opportunities have come through the Bears program.”
Herbers will help in the process of hiring his successor.
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