Jake Paterson, a former Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect, has been hired as the assistant coach by the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League.
Paterson, 32, was drafted by the Red Wings in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, where he was described by Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood as a "mixture of (two-time Stanley Cup champion) Jonathan Quick and (13-year NHL veteran) Cory Schneider." Despite never playing in an NHL game, Paterson has extensive experience in professional hockey, having played in the AHL, ECHL, and Europe.
Paterson's coaching career began five years ago, working with former Red Wings and Dallas Stars goalie coach Jim Bedard and New York Islanders goalie coach Piero Greco. He has since worked as the goaltending coach with the Elmira Sugar Kings and the Listowel Cyclones of the Greater Ontario Hockey League.
The Rangers' General Manager Mike McKenzie welcomed Paterson, saying, "Jake will be a great addition to our organization and fits the mold of our last two goalie coaches who ended up being very successful and moving onto professional hockey." McKenzie highlighted Paterson's experience playing in the league, his knowledge of the game, and his understanding of what it takes to be a successful goaltender at this level.
Paterson played three years with Detroit's ECHL team in Toledo, while Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek were the starting goalies with the Red Wings. He recorded a 34-13-1 record in Toledo in 2017, before being loaned to ECHL teams in Norfolk, Quad City, Allen (Texas), and Brampton, finishing his career in Slovakia.
As a native of Mississauga, Ontario, Paterson has deep roots in the Ontario Hockey League. He started Paterson Goaltending and provided on-ice instruction, game review, video coaching, preparation, and performance coaching in Ontario. His new role as assistant coach with the Kitchener Rangers is an opportunity for him to return to his alma mater and help develop the next generation of goaltenders.
Paterson expressed his excitement about the new opportunity, saying, "I'm very excited to return to the Kitchener Rangers as the director of goaltending. It's an amazing opportunity to be part of such a great organization. I'm looking forward to helping our goalies develop both on and off the ice, and can't wait to get started." With his extensive experience and knowledge of the game, Paterson is well-equipped to help the Rangers' goaltenders take their skills to the next level.
Paterson's hiring is the latest development in the Rangers' efforts to build a strong goaltending core. With his experience and expertise, he is poised to make a significant impact on the team's success. As the new season approaches, fans and hockey enthusiasts alike will be watching to see how Paterson's coaching style and expertise will shape the Rangers' goaltending prospects.
Source: Yahoo Sports