Meet Marc Savard Spitfires’ New Head Coach
While the Spitfires gig is the 44-year-old Savard’s first as a head coach, he does have an impressive hockey resume. He played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League, was a two-time all star and won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He had 207 goals and 499 assists in 706 regular season games with the New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers and Bruins before his career came to a premature end due to a series of concussions.
Prior to his pro hockey career Savard had an illustrious junior hockey career with the OHL’S Oshawa Generals. He won the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy twice for winning the OHL scoring title (1996-97). His 413 career points are the most in Oshawa franchise history and he has had his number 27 retired by the Generals as well. He was the fourth round pick, 91st overall, by the Rangers in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.
Prior to taking over behind the bench in Windsor, Savard got his start in coaching by serving as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues during the 2019-2020. He chose not to return to that position for a second season in St. Louis and made no effort to mask his enthusiasm over landing in Windsor.
“It feels amazing, I have been waiting for this opportunity. The process has been first-class all the way with GM Bill Bowler and ownership. I want to be a head coach and learn my craft. I want to be here for a while and learn a lot. I can’t wait to get started.”
Marc Savard, Spitfires New Hea Coach
Savard was formally introduced at a press conference at the WFCU Centre last month. Due in part to Covid restrictions, the event was broadcast live on Facebook Live.
“He’s (Savard) a man who I feel has the vision and the foresight to move us to the next level,”said Bowler offered before officially introducing Savard at which both Spitfires president John Savage and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens also attended and spoke.
Rounding out this year’s coaching staff is longtime assistant Jerrod Smith, who was also named director of player personnel. LaSalle native and former NHL player Andy Delmore, , will be in charge of the Spits defence corps. Perry Wilson will return to handle goaltending, and Kathy McLiwain will continue as a skating coach.
The Spitfires open their regular season on October 7 when they host the Sarnia Sting at the WFCU Centre. They travel to Sarnia the following night to conclude the home and home series.