The Pittsburgh Penguins have hired Sergei Gonchar as an assistant coach, the team announced Wednesday.
He spent the past two seasons as Pittsburgh’s defenceman development coach, and joins a staff that also includes Hall of Famer Mark Recchi – hired Tuesday.
“Like Mark, Sergei brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to our team,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said. “His career is a body of work that speaks for itself.
“He will naturally transition into a full-time coaching role, building on the experiences and relationships he has already made with our group. He was invaluable during the playoffs, especially in working with our young defencemen.”
Gonchar is expected to work with Recchi on the team’s power play, and aid assistant coach Jacques Martin with all Penguins defencemen.
The 43-year-old enjoyed a 1,301-game NHL career with Washington, Boston, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Dallas and Montreal, totalling 220 goals and 811 points.
The Russian is also a two-time medallist at the world championships, winning bronze in 2007 and a silver in 2010.
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