The Norfolk Admirals announced that Rick Kowalsky has been named the club’s assistant coach for the 2005-06 campaign. He comes to Norfolk from the ECHL’s Trenton Titans, where he was team captain under new Admirals head coach Mike Haviland last season.
A veteran of 12 professional hockey seasons, Kowalsky appeared in 182 AHL career contests with the Cornwall Aces and Portland Pirates between 1993 and 1999. He also appeared in one game with Norfolk in the 2001-02 season. During his tenure in the AHL, Kowalsky netted 35 goals and 57 assists for 92 points and 297 PIM.
Kowalsky spent most of his pro career in the ECHL, recording 550 points in 516 games in that league, including five seasons with Norfolk’s predecessor, the Hampton Roads Admirals.
Originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 10th round (227th overall) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, the Simcoe, Ont., native hangs up his skates after winning a league championship with Trenton in 2005.
