Vegas Golden Knights assistant coach Ryan Craig talks with players in the final seconds of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.
Monday, June 26, 2023 | 9:39 a.m.
Ryan Craig, an assistant coach with the Golden Knights since their inception, has been named the new coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, the team announced today.
A 14-year professional player, the 41-year-old Craig was hired by the Golden Knights prior to their inaugural season in 2017-18 and has been with them through this season, when Vegas won the Stanley Cup.
Craig becomes the second-ever coach of AHL Henderson. He replaces Manny Viveiros, who was let go in April after three seasons.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Silver Knights and know we have the ingredients for success in place in Henderson,” Craig said in a statement. “I believe my playing and coaching experiences, highlighted by this year’s Stanley Cup run, have prepared me well for this next step in my career.”
Craig has been a mainstay behind the Golden Knights’ bench, despite three coaching changes in six seasons. His primary responsibilities have been coaching the forwards and the power play under head coaches Gerard Gallant, Pete DeBoer and Bruce Cassidy.
“I have tremendous respect for Ryan Craig as both a person and a professional and believe we have an ideal coach to lead our team in Henderson,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement. “He is a proven leader who has learned from some of the game’s best coaches. He understands the importance of the AHL level both in terms of developing our NHL prospects and creating a winning environment.”
Craig takes over a young Silver Knights team that missed the Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time last season. Henderson went 29-38-5, finished ninth place in the Pacific Division and six points out of a playoff spot.
Henderson is expected to have a bounce-back upcoming season, with top prospects Kaedan Korczak, Brendan Brisson and Lukas Cormier leading the way.
Craig will be introduced as the Silver Knights’ coach Friday.
“My family and I thank the Las Vegas community for being so welcoming during the last six years and appreciate the chance to remain here moving forward,” Craig said.
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
