Tampa Bay Lightning Appoints Dan Hinote as Assistant Coach
In a significant move, the Tampa Bay Lightning have appointed Dan Hinote, previously the associate head coach of the Colorado Eagles, as one of their assistant coaches. Hinote’s tenure with the Eagles this past season was marked by success; under his guidance, the team achieved an impressive 43-21-5 record, the best in the American Hockey League’s Western Conference. The Eagles not only excelled in winning games but also emerged as the top team in the league for offensive scoring, boasting a remarkable +65 goal differential.
Hinote’s Coaching Journey
Hinote, 48, has a rich background in hockey coaching, having kicked off his career as an assistant with the Columbus Blue Jackets from the 2010-2011 season until 2013-2014. Following that stint, he served as a pro scout for four years before taking a position with the U.S. National Development Program, where he worked with both the U17 and U18 squads. He continued his coaching journey with the Nashville Predators, being part of their coaching staff for four seasons, starting from 2020-2021 until the end of the 2023-2024 season.
Playing Career and Achievements
Dan Hinote is a Stanley Cup champion from his days with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. He also brings valuable playing experience to his new role, having scored 38 goals and accumulated 90 points across 503 NHL games played for the Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues. In addition to his NHL career, Hinote made a mark in the AHL, where he recorded 84 points in 144 games, including a standout season as an AHL All-Star in 1999-2000.
Looking Ahead
As the Lightning look to bolster their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming NHL season, the addition of Hinote could play a crucial role in their strategy and development moving forward. Fans can stay updated with the latest news regarding the team and its developments by checking out The Hockey News’ Tampa Bay Lightning team site and their AHL page for exclusive interviews and more insights.
