Former KIJHL Trail Junior Smoke Eater coach Tom Renney has landed on his feet, being named Thursday as associate coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
Renney, 57, spent three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, originally brought on board as an associate to Pat Quinn shortly after Craig MacTavish was relieved of his duties following the 2008-2009 season.
Renney took over the head coaching duties a year after joining the club and amassed a 57-85-22 record during that time, as the Oilers finished 30th and 29th respectively in the league standings.
Renney’s contract was not renewed for the upcoming season by the Oilers, who promoted associate coach Ralph Krueger to the head post.
“For me, there were aspects of my game that he really held me accountable for when he was here,” winger Ryan Jones told the Edmonton Sun. “There were things that he wanted me to get better at, being away from the puck and trying to be more of a physical player.
“He was a really easy coach to play for. He was passionate, he wanted to win and he cared about each player, not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I find those coaches super easy to play for.”
After coaching the junior Smoke Eaters, Renney coached the Kamloops Blazers to a Memorial Cup, before heading the Canadian National team. He also coached the Vancouver Canucks for two seasons and the New York Rangers for nearly six years.