Patrick Williamstheahl.com writer
Another line Jared NightingaleHis resume put him in a major position as the AHL head coach.
After 11 professional seasons in AHL and ECHL since retirement in 2017, Nightingale has steadily traveled through several coaching stations, which is clearly suited to the respected garrison and captain.
He started as an assistant coach in Omaha, the American Hockey League. He worked with the prestigious U.S. National Team Development Program and later became an associate coach for Saginaw, the Ontario Hockey League. In November 2021, the chain reaction from the coaching restructuring with the Chicago Blackhawks opened up a attraction to work as an assistant coach in Rockford.
However, the coaching experience usually goes a long way in terms of hiring decisions, and Nightingale still needs this line on his resume. In 2024, he was hired as head coach and director of hockey operations for the ECHL South Carolina Yellow Crocodile Floor, an action that has become a proven coaching track for the AHL and NHL. Jared Bednar,,,,, Cail MacLean,,,,, Spencer Carbery and Ryan Warsofsky. Nightingale led South Carolina to the best regular season in franchise history, ranked first in the league and won the ECHL Coach of the Year Award.
Because this success is combined with experience already having a bench at the AHL level, the Nightingale is expected to attract head openings in the American Hockey League during the offseason. He was appointed Rockford’s new head coach on May 30.
Since his time with Rockford, the Nightingale has had history when she interviewed the Blackhawks last spring. With no need to break the ice or know each other, both sides can talk to hockey and learn what the Nightingale took from his first campaign with South Carolina. The strong relationship between the NHL and AHL head coaches is also key, and Nightingale has arrived to know fellow Michigan State Blashill.
“I think it might be easier than talking to an organization you don’t have a job than talking to the one you meet,” Nightingale said. Jeff Blashill. “I think the relationships are there. As my first job in the AHL, I will bring some enthusiasm and excitement to these players and their development.”
Icehogs is getting a coach and he sees all the ups and downs that come with professional games. Michigan State’s product became Pro later in the 2005-06 season with the Springfield Falcons and captained the Icehogs in the 2013-14 Icehogs outside of Iowa, Hartford, Chicago, Chicago, Syracuse, Norfolk, Norfolk, Grand Rapids and Milwaukee, and Rockford.
If Nightingale always seems to be coaching naturally like everyone else, that’s the feeling he holds, too. As the leader and captain of several teams, especially as he gets older, he has begun to focus on how his head coach works. Moreover, for a large number of focus, most player development is focused on helping players develop professional habits and finding ice ages as adults. Among his AHL coaches is Blashill, Jon Cooper,,,,, Craig Berube,,,,, Dean Evason and AHL Hall of Fame John Anderson and Ken Gernander.
“I’ve been looking up to the coach, not just the captain, but also the good teammates and leaders,” explains Nightingale. “I understand how much impact you have on the player’s career and life. It’s beyond the impact of X and O.”
Creating a sense of value will be a key priority. Leading a team at this level is not just about focusing on top prospects. Nightingale has tried to play a role throughout her career. He will have some understanding of how to help and understand players who may be dealing with stagnant or struggling to stay in the league.
In South Carolina, he also saw how the Washington capital and Hershey bears make him and the stingray look like an important part of the organization. Nightingale went to training camp with the capital, and Carbury made sure he was included in the coaching meeting.
“I think players in South Carolina know they are valuable,” explains the Nightingale. “It makes my job a lot easier – how great the communication and work Washington does in building a family culture.”
So when the Blackhawks rebuild in Chicago, they will need prospects in the proper development environment in Rockford. Part of this environment is to give each player in the roster a stake in the team and their successful shares.
“I lived as a player,” Nightingale said. “The power that coaches have instilling faith [that] You can still improve. Try to make them embrace it and enjoy it – that’s why it’s important to communicate the team’s vision and expectations. You have to be passionate about trying to get better everyday work. That’s something I can’t see.
“Every player who goes into Rockford, I hope they leave better.”
During the fifty years in the American Hockey League, Theahl.com writer Patrick Williams currently covers NHL.com and Flosports leagues and is a regular contributor to Siriusxm NHL New Network Radio. He won the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for his outstanding league coverage in 2016.
