Buffalo Sabres: Tom Ward Looking to Work his Magic in the NHL

The Buffalo Sabres have rounded out their coaching staff and you can expect there to be a lot of interest in Dan Bylsma’s new assistant coach, Tom Ward.

In truth, Dan Byslama‘s staff is probably not the most interesting of subject matters for Buffalo Sabres fans. Regardless, they still appreciate the importance of coaches to the potential success of the team this coming season.

In that respect, the Sabres filled the remaining positions to the coaching staff on Thursday, with the hiring of Tom Ward (assistant coach) and Adam Nightingale (video coach). The moves were reported by Brayton J. Wilson of WGR550.

Of the two additions, Ward’s hiring as an assistant coach is the more intriguing move. He takes over from the gap left by Dave Barr‘s departure, after spending 18 seasons as head coach of the Shattuck St. Mary’s (SSM) Boys Prep team.

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The 52-year old has an impressive resume from his time in charge, with eight USA Hockey National Championships. He also doubled as the school’s director of hockey, after taking over the role in 2006.

However, what stands out most from Ward’s tenure at SSM, is overseeing their rise to become one of the most prominent prep schools in American hockey. The players who have gone on to the NHL reads like a who’s who of some of the more recognizable names in the game today.

The list includes the likes of Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise and the Sabres’ Kyle Okposo. No wonder they earned a reputation as the “Hogwarts of Hockey“.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of people at SSM are sorry to see the Richfield, Minnesota native leave. He served as a mentor for numerous coaches and players, leaving a positive impact on all of them.

SSM’s President Nick Stoneman said in a statement: “As important as hockey is to Tom, teaching his players how to be responsible, respectful, and reliable young adults is at the core of his coaching.

“He will be missed by many people within the Shattuck-St. Mary’s community, but we are equally excited for his new opportunity with the Buffalo Sabres, knowing he will bring his same SSM Sabres’ passion to that organization.”

Despite being drafted in the ninth round of the 1982 NHL draft by the Winnipeg Jets, Ward never fulfilled his dream to compete at the top level. However, he now gets that opportunity as a coach, and don’t be surprised if he turns out to be a major success.

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What are your thoughts about the coaching staff Dan Bylsma has put together for the new season? Do you have a positive or negative vibe about them and if so, why? Let us know in the comments section below.