Steve Kariya has joined the Portland Winterhawks’ coaching staff for the remainder of the 2012-13 season.
Kariya will handle the team’s in-game video scouting, helping the coaching staff make adjustments between periods. He will also assist with players’ skill development at practices. The in-game video work had been done by assistant coach Kyle Gustafson. Gustafson, a Vancouver resident, moved to the bench in November when Travis Green took over as acting head coach.
“Steve will be a great asset for us as we enter the final seven games of the regular season and the playoffs,” Green said. “We place a great deal of emphasis on our in-game video work and Steve’s long playing career gives him valuable insight into the game.”
Kariya’s older brother Paul played 15 seasons in the NHL with Anaheim, Colorado, Nashville and St Louis. Steve Kariya starred at University of Maine from 1995-99, amassing 187 points in 150 games. He went on to a professional career that included 65 games with the Vancouver Canucks between 1999-2002. He later played six seasons in Europe, retiring after the 2009-10 season.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to join the Winterhawks’ coaching staff,” Kariya said. “This is a great organization with a chance to win a Memorial Cup, and I look forward to being part of an exciting playoff run.”
