The Hershey Bears announced today that former Bears defenseman Bob Woods has been named the club’s assistant coach. The announcement was made today by Bears president/general manager Doug Yingst.
The 37-year-old Woods was drafted in the 10th round by the New Jersey Devils in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft and played 13 professional seasons. He was a member of Hershey’s 1996-97 Calder Cup-winning squad, playing in 16 playoff games en route to the title.
He was a player-assistant coach on Mississippi’s ECHL championship team under current Bears head coach Bruce Boudreau in 1999.
“Bob Woods is a proven winner both as a player and a coach, and we’re glad he has agreed to join our coaching staff,” said Yingst. “His credentials and his ties to both the Hershey Bears and Bruce Boudreau make him a natural fit for us.”
Woods comes to Hershey after serving as head coach of the ECHL’s Mississippi Sea Wolves for the last four seasons, while also holding the title of general manager in 2004-05. He compiled a 169-94-25 record at the helm for the Sea Wolves, including two appearances in the Southern Conference Finals. In four years as head coach in Mississippi, Woods averaged over 42 wins a season.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and for my family to return to the place where I won my first championship as a player,” said Woods. “To be back with Bruce Boudreau after winning a title with him in Mississippi is a terrific chance for me to reunite with a man I have the utmost respect for.”
