Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde praised the Toledo Walleye for hiring 50-year-old Pat Mikesch on Thursday as new head coach of Detroit's ECHL affiliate.
A former assistant coach under Lalonde with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers from 2011-14, Mikesch replaces Dan Watson, who was named head coach of the the Red Wings' AHL team in Grand Rapids last month.
"I was on staff with Pat for three seasons, winning a USHL championship together," Lalonde said on Twitter. "Pat is a diligent worker, detailed and organized. He will continue the recent success of the Walleye. Great hire by the organization.