The Sarnia Sting's new assistant coach brings a wealth of experience to the role.
On Monday, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) club announced the hiring of David Matsos.
He joins head coach Alan Letang's staff, alongside assistant Dustin Jeffrey.
The 51-year-old Burlington native was drafted into the OHL by the Soo Greyhounds in 1989, where he played in over 220 games.
He has also served on the coaching staff with the Windsor Spitfires, Sudbury Wolves, and Hamilton Bulldogs, and has experience as a head coach in the GOJHL with the London Nationals and St. Thomas Stars.
In a news release, Matsos said he looks forward to the opportunity.
"I've been around a long time and I understand the developing side and the importance of it and the details. I'm just going to share what I know with the players, I like to be tactical and teach them through their moments so I'm going to create an open line of communication. At the end of the day the more they ask the more they're developing us as coaches, so it's a nice relationship to have."
Matsos feels like his time in the OHL will serve as a benefit on the Sting bench.
"I think no matter where you coach, if you carry the passion you'll still get so much out of it," he said. "Knowing the league, understanding the players and the pressures that they have just trying to be something beyond the OHL, I do understand them from that perspective and I certainly believe it helps."
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca commented on the hiring.
"David is an experienced coach in the OHL," said Seca. "He’s won an OHL championship with Hamilton, been a head coach in Sudbury with the Wolves and has a proven track record of player development. David is also a great communicator and someone the players will truly gravitate towards. I believe he will be a great fit to our current staff as well. We welcome David and the Matsos family to Sting Nation."
Matsos takes over from Michael Haley who was let go by the club on December 10, 2024.
He will make his bench debut on Friday, January 10 when the Sting take on the Owen Sound Attack.
Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
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