Red Wings hire Rockford’s Peters

The Detroit Red Wings announced Friday the hiring of Bill Peters as an assistant coach.

Peters, who signed a three-year contract with the Wings, had been the head coach of the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs since 2008.

Peters coached with Detroit head coach Mike Babcock when the two were in Spokane of the Western Hockey League. Peters was a midseason replacement on Babcock’s staff during the 1996-97 season and returned to the same post in 1999 – Babcock’s final season with the Chiefs – where he stayed until 2002.

After three seasons at the University of Lethbridge, Peters returned to Spokane, but this time as head coach, and he helped the Chiefs capture the Memorial Cup in 2008.

From 2008-11, Peters was at the helm of the Chicago Blackhawks’ top affiliate, guiding Rockford to a 122-104-14 record and two Calder Cup Playoff appearances.

While at Rockford, Peters helped groomed 28 different players for the NHL, including Stanley Cup champion goalie Antti Niemi.