NHL veteran Ryane Clowe, who unofficially retired ahead of the 2015-16 NHL season due to a series of head injuries, has joined the New Jersey Devils’ coaching staff as an assistant coach.
“We are looking forward to Ryane joining our staff,” said head coach John Hynes. “His character, expertise as a player, knowledge of the game and passion to coach will be a benefit for our players and the Devils’ organization.”
Clowe actually has some prior coaching experience on his resume. In fact, he spent a brief period of time behind the bench in ECHL San Francisco during the 2012-13 lockout. He also spent time working closely with New Jersey’s coaching staff last year after his retirement.
“Being a year removed from the game, I have a decent idea of how to relate to the players and what they look for,” Clowe said of the opportunity. “I’m not looking to be anything right away. More or less, I know there’s a learning curve, and it’s about the opportunity to be with this coaching staff…to learn from John Hynes. He really impressed me last year. I’m just really excited about the opportunity to learn from him.”
Over the course of 491 NHL games, Clowe tallied 112 goals and 309 points with the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. He stepped away from the game last year with three years still remaining on his contract—one the Devils continue to honor by placing Clowe on LTIR.
