The Springfield Falcons, in conjunction with their National Hockey League affiliate the Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that Brad Larsen has been named assistant coach of the Falcons. Larsen will join head coach Rob Riley behind the bench for the 2010-11 season.
“We are very excited to add Brad Larsen as Assistant Coach,” said Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Chris MacFarland. “Brad always played with passion and energy and we are thrilled to have two quality coaches in Rob and Brad working with our players in Springfield.”
Larsen recently concluded his 13-year playing career spending the 2009-10 campaign with the American Hockey League’s Portland Pirates, collecting 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 55 games. The 33-year-old native of Nakusp, British Columbia, played in a total of 384 career AHL games totaling 96 goals and 120 assists for 216 points, spending time with the Hershey Bears, Chicago Wolves and Portland. He helped lead Chicago to the 2005 Calder Cup Finals, collecting 11 points in 18 postseason games.
"I am truly honored and excited at the opportunity to work with the Springfield Falcons and Columbus Blue Jackets organizations,” said Larsen. “Coaching is something that I have been looking forward to pursuing when my playing days were over and I would like to thank the Falcons and Blue Jackets for giving me that chance."
Larsen was also a veteran of 294 career NHL contests, recording 19 goals and 29 assists for 48 points, splitting time between the Colorado Avalanche and Atlanta Thrashers. He was selected by the Avalanche in the fourth round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. Larsen split the first seven seasons of his pro career between Colorado and Hershey before being claimed on waivers by Atlanta on February 25, 2004.
“Brad Larsen brings tremendous passion, leadership, and experience in the AHL and NHL which will be invaluable to our players,” said Riley. “We are very excited to have Brad join the Falcon staff.”
Prior to starting his pro career, Larsen played his junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos from 1993-1997. In 238 career WHL games, he totaled 249 points and was named to the 1997 WHL East All Star Team.
