Leafs announce Greg Andrusak has joined coaching staff
By The Nelson Daily Sports
On the eve of the start of training camps for Kootenay International Junior Hockey League teams, the Nelson Leafs took care of some unfinished business by announcing that Greg Andrusak has joined head coach Dave McLellan behind the bench for the upcoming season.
Andrusak, who played professionally in the NHL and Europe as well as coaching with Nelson Minor Hockey, joins the Leafs as the assistant coach.
“Greg is from Nelson and brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the Leafs organization,” said McLellan.
“As former professional defenseman, Greg brings a tremendous amount of experience and will play a key role in helping develop the Leafs defense this season.”
“I welcome Greg to our staff and look forward to working with him this season,” McLellan added.
After playing college hockey for University of Minnesota-Duluth, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Andrusak in the fifth round of the 1988 NHL draft.
Andrusak spent most of his professional career in the International Hockey League and overseas in Europe.
Andrusak played a few games in the NHL with Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh before returning to Nelson to play a vital role as a coach in Nelson Minor Hockey.
Andrusak’s experience will come in handy as the Leafs begin building a team for the upcoming KIJHL season.
“It has been a long spring and summer recruiting, but the Nelson Leafs are pleased to announce that we have signed 11 new players, to date, for upcoming season,” McLellan said.
“With no returning defensemen, the Leafs coaching staff placed a huge emphasis on identifying highly talented defensemen and feel that, the six newly carded players, will bring improved size, strength and skill to this seasons team.”
Gone are the likes of veteran blueliners Patrick Croome, Darnell St. Pierre and Robson Cramer — the latter two defencemen who inked commitment letters to play college hockey in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League with Simon Fraser.
However, McLellan has been busy filling out the training camp roster after two camps during the spring.
Along with finding new players, McLellan announced a summer deal with Victoria Cougars.
“The Leafs welcome Jordan Davie, acquired in a summer trade from the Victoria Cougars,” McLellan said.
“Jordan brings recent championship and leadership experience to the Leafs.”
The 20-year-old Davie is a 5’11”, 195-pound winger who loves the physical part of the game.
Leafs open training camp September 2 at the NDCC Arena.
Nelson opens the exhibition season the following night at home against Beaver Valley.
The Leafs travel to the Hawks Nest to continue the preseason Saturday, September 5 before playing a home-and-home set with Castlegar — September 8 in Nelson and September 9 in Castlegar.
The Leafs open the regular season September 11 at home against Kelowna Chiefs.
