The Flint Firebirds have a new assistant coach.
Garrett Rutledge has been appointed to the position, taking over for Scott MacDonald who is moving on to pursue a new business opportunity outside of the organization.
"It was a natural fit to promote Garrett internally from our scouting staff because of his excellent coaching experience, knowledge of the game, and the unique energy he will bring to the group. He is passionate about developing good people on and off the ice, and is a person that our players will certainly learn from," said Barclay Branch, Firebirds VP of Hockey Operations & General Manager
A 37-year-old resident of Waterdown, Ont., Rutledge has spent the past two seasons as a member of the Firebirds Scouting Department covering the OMHA's SCTA Minor Midget area.
He has also spent the last decade coaching in various Ontario junior hockey programs including the last two seasons as Assistant Coach of the OJHL's Oakville Blades Jr. A Hockey Club.
On the ice, Rutledge played four seasons of Jr. B with the Petrolia Jets from 1996-2000.
"I am extremely honoured and grateful for the opportunity to join the Flint Firebirds coaching staff," said Rutledge. "I look forward to the start of training camp and being at the rink everyday with Ryan, Darcy, the players, and the entire staff in Flint. I would like to thank the Oakville Blades organization for the tremendous support over the past seasons. I cannot wait to get things started and help to continue building a winning culture in Flint."