Paul Jerrard, one of many few Black assistant coaches within the NHL throughout his three video games within the league over the previous twenty years, has died, the College of Nebraska-Omaha introduced Thursday. He was 57.
An athletic division spokesman stated Jerrard’s spouse knowledgeable the varsity he died Wednesday at an Omaha hospital. Jerrard spent the previous 5 seasons on Omaha coach Mike Gabinet’s workers.
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Jerrard spent two seasons as an assistant with the NHL’s Calgary Flames from 2016-18 and the Dallas Stars from 2011-13 and one with the Colorado Avalanche in 2002-03. Throughout his time with the Flames, Jerrard was the one Black assistant coach within the league.
There are at present solely two Black assistant coaches within the NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning goalie coach Frantz Jean and video coach Nigel Kirwan.
Flames common supervisor Brad Treliving, who crossed paths with Jerrard once they performed within the minors and employed him in 2016 to educate below Glen Gulutzan, described the Winnipeg, Manitoba native as a real individual and a very good known as listener who confirmed consideration to the cultivation of private relationships. by way of in his work.
“He was compassionate and he was agency when he wanted to be,” Treliving stated by telephone Thursday. “(Gulutzan) talked about his means to show, his means to attach with gamers. Gamers trusted him, and you would see it.”
Between his NHL jobs, Jerrard was an assistant for Hershey, Iowa, Texas and Utica within the American Hockey League and earlier than that labored for Lowell of the AHL and at Lake Superior State College, the place he performed from 1983-87.
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Drafted by the New York Rangers within the ninth spherical in 1983, Jerrard spent most of his taking part in profession as a defenseman within the minors. He performed in 5 NHL video games with the Minnesota North Stars through the 1988-89 season and started teaching instantly after hanging up his skates.
Gabinet stated in a press release launched by the Omaha athletic division that Jerrard “quietly fought a long-term battle with most cancers.”
“Our program will without end be indebted to PJ for his numerous constructive impacts,” stated Gabinet, who has identified Jerrard since taking part in for him with Iowa of the AHL in 2005-06.
“PJ attacked day by day with a team-first perspective, vigorous enthusiasm and an unmatched willingness to assist develop and develop our younger males. … There have been no small jobs for PJ, and he by no means had a nasty day. He made the folks round him higher, and we’ll miss his presence in our locker room and lives without end.”
Jerrard was an lively member of the NHL Coaches’ Affiliation BIPOC Coaches Program. The Coaches Affiliation, in a press release despatched by president Lindsay Pennal, known as Jerrard an unimaginable coach and an excellent higher individual.
“His dedication to the game and serving to enhance his gamers and everybody round him was second to none,” the NHLCA stated. “Paul has generously devoted his time to mentoring the youthful coaches in our program and sharing recommendation and knowledge from his intensive hockey profession.”
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Throughout a 2018 interview with The Related Press about extra minority illustration amongst coaches and officers in hockey, Jerrard stated he hopes youngsters who see extra folks of coloration on the ice taking part in or serving or serving behind the bench present teaching that “in the event that they’re expert , are pushed and passionate, there is a chance for them.”
“I am simply one other coach making an attempt to do a very good job within the league and keep within the league,” Jerrard stated on the time.
“I believe I am in a little bit of a task mannequin place now, however my drive to be a task mannequin is just not due to the colour of my pores and skin. That is simply how I wished to hold myself as an individual, how I need to be seen: to do the proper factor and work exhausting.”
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