New Avalanche coach Jared Bednar never played in the NHL.
The 6-foot-3 defenseman enjoyed a nine-year professional career, but mostly traveled on buses. He even had a six-game stint with Roller Hockey International in 1995.
Upon his retirement he immediately moved into coaching and has a reputation as a player’s coach.
"We've had a fairly close relationship, a relationship that has developed, and I think the Avalanche not only hired a very good person but a very good coach," Cleveland Monsters captain Ryan Craig said of Bednar, who replaced Patrick Roy on Thursday. "And I think he's ready for that next step after leading our team to a Calder Cup.