Blackhawks hire King as Rockford assistant coach

Chicago Blackhawks Media Release

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today they have hired Derek King as an assistant coach with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League, joining Head Coach Ted Dent.

“Derek will be a welcome addition to our coaching staff in Rockford,” said Blackhawks Director of Hockey Administration/General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard. “He has played an important role in the development of players on many different levels. Combine that with his long professional career as a player, and he will be key to developing the future stars of the Chicago Blackhawks.”

King, 49, has worked as assistant and associate coach with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL from 2009-15. With the Marlies, he helped the team win one Western Conference Championship (2012) and three North Division Championships (2012, 2013, 2014).

The Hamilton, Ontario, native had a 14-year National Hockey League career that began with the New York Islanders during the 1986-87 season. After 11 seasons with the Islanders, King also played with the Hartford Whalers and Toronto Maple Leafs. His last stop in the NHL came during the 1999-2000 season, playing for the St. Louis Blues under current Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville.

King totaled 261 goals and 351 assists in 830 career NHL games. In 47 career Stanley Cup Playoffs games, he recorded 21 points (4G, 17A). He was originally selected as the 13th overall pick in the 1985 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders.