Home »
Jon Klemm, others added to ICE coaching staff
Kootenay ICE head coach James Patrick this morning announced that Cranbrook’s Jon Klemm is being added to his staff as an associate coach.
Klemm, 47, joins the ICE after spending time as a coach of the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. Before that, Klemm played pro hockey from 1991-2009 – including stints with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings.
“During conversations with Jon it was clear very early he would add a lot to the staff, our players and the community,” said ICE head coach James Patrick. “Jon has won at every level and that experience is invaluable for our group moving forward.”
Patrick added, “I know he’s going to put his heart and soul into the job and very excited to move home to be a part of the new ICE age.”
Klemm – a defenseman – played in 773 NHL games recording 42 goals and 142 points. He won Stanley Cups with the Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. Klemm also captured the Memorial Cup in 1991 as a member of the Spokane Chiefs.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be retuning home; when James called it was an easy decision,” explained Klemm. “I fully understand the passion and knowledge hockey fans have in Cranbrook and the East Kootenay and I can’t wait to build something special with them.”
The ICE also announced that Denis Sproxton is joining the ICE as the team’s goaltending consultant. Sproxton has served as a goaltending consultant with Hockey Canada, Hockey Alberta and the Spokane Chiefs. His playing career included four years in the WHL and NHL tryouts with Philadelphia and San Jose before playing in the CIS and winning a national championship with Acadia University.
Denis was part of the Spokane Chiefs team that won a Memorial Cup in 2008 and won a Gold Medal in Torino, Italy at the 2006 Olympics as a member of the National Women’s Team. Denis is currently a part time scout for the NHL’s Las Vegas Golden Knights.
In addition, Jake Heisinger is being added to the staff as Manager of Hockey Operations and Player Experience. Heisinger joins the ICE after earning a degree in Business Management from Curry College in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a two-time nominee for the NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award for his work within the Boston community. Heisinger’s father, Craig, holds a similar position with the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets.
The Kootenay ICE are also pleased to announce that assistant coach Gordon Burnett, assistant coach Roman Vopat, Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik, trainer/ equipment manager Darcy Ewanchuk and athletic consultant Cory Cameron will be returning this season.
“In order to provide an elite player experience you need to start with elite people that share the same vision,” said Matt Cockell, President and General Manager. “We are excited to get to work, training camp can’t get here soon enough”.
Klemm, in addition to other members of the ICE front office and hockey operations will be attending the #ICEcountry Drive to 25 Corporate Kick Off event presented by the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort. It takes place on Thursday, June 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The Drive to 25 features exclusive benefits and pricing for season seat holders, available until June 30. For more information call 250-417-0322 or visit ICEcountry.ca to order online.
e-KNOW
