San Jose Sharks executive vice president and general manager Doug Wilson and Worcester Sharks general manager Wayne Thomas announced today that David Cunniff has been promoted to associate coach of the Worcester Sharks, alongside head coach Roy Sommer.
“David has been an integral part of our organization’s success in developing players through our farm system,” said Wilson. “His knowledge and passion have had a great influence on all of our players in Worcester.”
Cunniff enters his 11th season with the San Jose Sharks organization, the previous 10 serving as the assistant coach for the team’s American Hockey League affiliate. He has played an integral role in assisting Sommer in all coaching duties including video breakdown, player assessment and scouting.
Cunniff’s coaching efforts are primarily focused on the team’s defensive unit and his presence has been pivotal in the rapid development of several Sharks defensemen including Douglas Murray, Jason Demers and Justin Braun.
The son of the late NHL veteran and U.S. Olympic coach John Cunniff, David has accumulated 355 victories as an assistant coach in the AHL alongside Sommer.
For the past 10 seasons, the South Boston, Mass., native has been an instructor at the San Jose Sharks Summer Hockey School. Before beginning his coaching career with the Cleveland Barons in 2002, Cunniff suited up in 268 AHL and ECHL games and played college hockey at Salem State College.
