The Prince George Cougars have added two-time Stanley Cup champion Shawn Chambers to the organization as an assistant coach.
A veteran of 13 NHL seasons (625 regular season and 94 playoff games), the former defenceman captured a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils (1994-95) and the Dallas Stars (1998-99). In Dallas he was a teammate of Cougars head coach Richard Matvichuk. Chambers’ NHL career included stints with the Minnesota North Stars, Washington Captails, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars. He scored 50 career goals and added 185 assists along with 364 penalty minutes. He had seven goals and 26 assists during his 94 post-season appearances. Earlier this month he was inducted into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame as a member of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey Championship team.
“He’s got a great mind for the game and his experience and knowledge are going to be very important for us as we move forward,” adds Head Coach Richard Matvichuk. “He’s a proven winner and a strong communicator and Steve O’Rourke and I are excited to have him be a part of our coaching staff.”
Cougars General Manager Todd Harkins adds, “As a two-time Stanley Cup champion, he has found success in this game at the highest possible level and that type of experience is going to be invaluable to our franchise, especially for our younger players. He’s played with and against some of the very best to ever play this game and we’re thrilled to add him to our staff. We’re happy to welcome Shawn, his wife Lisa and their children Cody, Connor and Cortney to the Cougars family.”
Chambers and the Prince George Cougars return to game action tonight when they kick off a week-night double-header against their B.C. Division rivals, the Victoria Royals. Coming into tonight’s game the Cougars have a CHL-best 26 wins and hold an eight point lead over the Kelowna Rockets for first place in the B.C. Division. This current road trip also includes a game against the Royals tomorrow and a game in Everett on Friday, December 30th against the Silvertips.
-Prince George Cougars