Bringing aboard Jim Bedard as the Spitfires’ new goaltending coach, quite simply, is a move that is undoubtedly the envy of not only all other Ontario Hockey League clubs, but teams from across the entire Canadian Hockey League.

With just under a year before the team hosts the 2017 Memorial Cup, the Windsor Spitfires are making the right moves. The changes will go a long way ensuring the team is a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

The man has a proven track record, having won three Stanley Cups during his over a decade tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. He worked with such ‘tenders as NHL Hall of Famer Dominic Hasek,

Bedard, 59, played 14 seasons of pro hockey both in North America and in Europe before joining the Red Wings for 18 seasons before turning to coaching.

I’m so old myself that I even recall Bedard playing in net for the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves during the mid-1970’s. So yes, this guy has been around for quite some time and he has an impressive resume. And now he is set to impart his considerable knowledge in Windsor.

Paul Billing, the Spits’ former goalie coach, remains with the club as the team’s goaltending consultant. The pair should form a dynamite teaching tandem.

Bedard has lived in Windsor for years while working with the Red Wings. He was essentially let go by the NHL team as it is common practice by new head coaches. At virtually every level and in every sport, new coaches like to hire their own assistant coaches to work with.

Last season, Bedard was a holdover from the Mike Babcock era after Jeff Blashill took over behind the Detroit bench. About the only possible downside to Bedard’s new job with the Spitfires is that he may not be here long. He’s likely be a top candidate for any new regime in the NHL looking to fill out their coaching roster. Bedard may get the opportunity to head back to the NHL sometime during the up

coming season or next season or it may never happen at all. Only time will tell.

And it’s not as if Bedard will be looked to spin straw into gold with the Spitfires. He will have two very capable netminders to work work – who will only become more capable under Bedard’s tutelage. Michael DiPietro won the F.W. “Dinty” Moore last season. The trophy is awarded annually to the first year goaltender with the best GAA in the OHL regular season. Dipietro, is the first Windsor Spitfire to ever win this trophy. He is a student of the game and his play during the upcoming season will be enhanced with Bedard.

And as if having DiPietro is not enough talent for Bedard to work with, he will also have Mario Culina to mentor. Also a first-year player last season, Culina posted a 2.64 GAA in 20 games with the Spitfires.

In the big picture, the Spitfires have significantly strengthened what had already appeared to be one of the team’s strengths. And that is goaltending. We’ll see heading into the 2016-2017 OHL campaign what a world-class coach such as Jim Bedard can do.