Hershey Bears hire Todd Nelson as new head coach

On Thursday of last week the Hershey Bears named Todd Nelson their 28th head coach in franchise history. The Washington Capitals AHL affiliate’s coaching staff will also feature assistant coach Nick Bootland, associate goaltending coach Juha Lehtola and video coach Adam Purner.

Hershey Bears vice president of hockey operations Bryan Helmer said in a press release: 

"“We’re excited to welcome Todd Nelson to Hershey as our head coach. Todd has had an accomplished coaching career featuring multiple championships. He’s a coach that is driven to win, and he has played a pivotal role in developing a long list of players who have advanced to the National Hockey League. Having played for Todd myself, I know how detailed he is, and he’s truly a coach who gets the most out of his players. We’re fortunate to have Todd at the helm, and we’re excited about rounding out his staff with an experienced and decorated group of coaches.”"

The 53 year old brings vast coaching experience and a championship pedigree to Hershey. The veteran bench boss has over two decades of experience in the United States Hockey League, and the NHL.

A native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach for the NHL’s Dallas Stars and returns to Hershey after skating in one season with the club during his playing career, donning the Chocolate and White during the 1995-96 season.

Overall, Nelson has won six championships including one as a player, one as a player assistant and coach, one as an assistant coach, and three as a head coach. Nelson led Grand Rapids to a Calder Cup Championship in 2017, becoming only the third player in AHL history to win the Calder Cup as a player (1994 with Portland), assistant coach (2008with Chicago) and head coach, joining former Bears Bob Woods and Mike Stothers on that exclusive list.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan added:

"“Todd brings a wealth of coaching experience to Hershey and has shown throughout his career the ability to develop young players and help them transition to the NHL. We are also pleased to welcome Nick, Juha, and Adam to Hershey. We feel they each possess the necessary experience and knowledge to help our young players in the organization.”"

Hershey’s roster features several ties to Nelson including defenseman Dylan McIlrath was on the 2017 Grand Rapids championship team and was coached by Nelson for two seasons with the Griffins.