The Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL parent club of the Syracuse Crunch, have hired former National Hockey League defenseman Rob Zettler as assistant coach of the Crunch.
Zettler most recently served as assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.
Zettler will assist head coach Jon Cooper on a daily basis. His level of experience at the NHL level will allow him to share knowledge and help develop the Lightning’s prospects on defense.
A native of Sept-Iles, Que., Zettler spent nearly four seasons with the Maple Leafs. Prior to joining Toronto’s coaching staff, Zettler spent six seasons as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks from 2002 to 2008.
Zettler, 44, played in the NHL for 14 seasons with the Minnesota North Stars, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals. He skated in 569 career games, recording five goals and 70 points.
Zettler’s playing career also included 59 AHL games with the Portland Pirates from 1999-2001.
After his retirement in 2002 he joined San Jose as the Sharks radio color analyst and helped to create the Sharks Alumni Association. He also assisted with the organization’s charitable foundation as well as in the fan development department, participating is youth programs and clinics.
