Coquitlam, BC- The Coquitlam Express are pleased to announce that former NHL player Ryan Hollweg will join the team’s coaching staff as assistant coach for the 2020/21 BCHL season.
“We are excited to have Ryan join the Express family and bring his vast hockey experience and passion to guide and mentor our players on and off the ice. I look forward to working along side Ryan in building around the strong returning core of players” said head coach and assistant GM Dan Cioffi.
“Ryan brings a great work ethic, energy and drive that will help continue the strong culture already established within the team”, added general manager Dave Mclellan.
Ryan played in the BCHL as a 15 year old for the Langley Hornets where he was named the BCHL Rookie of the Year. In 1999, he was selected 1st overall in WHL draft by the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he eventually captained the team, leading them to a WHL title and birth in the Memorial Cup tournament. As a dual-citizen, Ryan was selected to represent both countries at the U17 (USA), U18 (Canada), and U20 World Junior (USA) tournaments.
In the 2000 NHL draft, Ryan was selected 238th overall by the New York Rangers and enjoyed a distinguished NHL career playing with New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Arizona Coyotes for a total of 228 games. He also played 275 games with various AHL teams including the Hartford Wolfpack, Toronto Marlies, San Antonio Rampage, and Portland Pirates. Ryan later continued his professional career in Europe playing six seasons from 2012 to 2018 for the HC Skoda Plzen in the Czech Extraliga where the team captured an Extraliga Championship.
After retiring from professional hockey, Ryan served as an associate coach with the BC Hockey North West (U 18) Major Midget Hawks.
“I want to thank the Coquitlam Express for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to building on the winning culture that this great club has already established for itself. I look forward to getting to work right away.” Ryan said.
Photo credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
