The Chicago Blackhawks announced Thursday that they have named Derek King head coach of the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.
In addition, Anders Sorensen received a multi-year contract extension to remain an assistant coach for Rockford.
King, 52, served as interim head coach of the IceHogs for most of the 2018-19 season, being elevated after Jeremy Colliton was promoted to the Blackhawks on Nov. 6. King led Rockford to a 29-28-3-4 record in 64 games.
Originally named an assistant coach with the IceHogs on July 7, 2016, King previously worked as an assistant and associate coach with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies from 2009-15, helping guide that team to three division titles and a berth in the 2012 Calder Cup Finals.
The Hamilton, Ont., native had a 14-year National Hockey League playing career that began with the New York Islanders during the 1986-87 season. After 11 seasons with the Islanders, King also played with the Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues.
In the AHL, King played for the Springfield Indians (1987-90) and Grand Rapids Griffins (2002-04).
Sorensen, 43, joined the IceHogs as an assistant coach on Jan. 4, 2019, replacing current Blackhawks assistant coach Sheldon Brookbank. Sorensen was in his fifth season as development coach for the Chicago Blackhawks organization before joining Rockford’s staff.
