The Florida Panthers announced today that Peter Horachek has been named head coach of the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.
In addition, Chuck Weber’s role has been expanded and he will now serve as San Antonio’s director of hockey operations and associate head coach.
Rampage assistant coach Jason Cipolla will join the Florida Panthers coaching staff and serve as the NHL team’s video coach.
“We are excited to welcome Peter to the organization,” said Panthers assistant general manager and Rampage GM Mike Santos. “He brings with him a proven track record of success in developing players at all levels. Chuck and Peter have formed a winning combination in the past and are the perfect tandem to lead our prospects in San Antonio.”
Horachek, 53, spent the last nine seasons working for the Nashville Predators, serving his last two years as an associate head coach. While working for the Predators, he helped the club advance to the postseason on seven occasions.
Prior to joining the Nashville coaching staff, Horachek served as the head coach for the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals (2002-03), the ECHL’s Trenton Titans (2001-02) and the International Hockey League’s Orlando Solar Bears (1999-2001).
During the 2000-01 campaign, Horachek — along with Weber, who served as his assistant in Orlando — won a Turner Cup Championship. Weber also worked on Horachek’s staff in Trenton, where they led the Titans to a 2002 division championship, as well as one season coaching together in Milwaukee.
Cipolla, 40, has spent the last two seasons serving as an assistant coach in San Antonio. Prior to working with the Rampage, he spent four seasons as an assistant coach in Rochester (2007-11).
