Kisil added to Saginaw's coaching staff

The Saginaw Spirit have welcomed John Kisil as the newest addition to the Spirit family.

The former Compuware Ambassadors coach will be reunited with head coach Todd Watson as an assistant coach in Saginaw for the 2007-2008 season.

"I'm proud to be with the Saginaw Spirit," stated Kisil. "The ownership, both Dick (Garber) and Craig (Goslin), are awesome. They've taken care of me pretty well here."

"John is a very hard worker. He loves the game," stated Watson. "He is the most positive person I know. He is a tireless motivator who is a key addition to our staff. The players will respect and admire him."

“John Kisil is an enthusiastic young coach with a great work ethic,” stated Spirit GM Don Edwards. “Further, he is a consummate professional who will support the system implemented by Spirit head coach Todd Watson.”

Kisil spent the last four years as head coach with the Honeybaked AAA hockey club. His coaching resume consists of a total of ten years in youth hockey. Much of his time was spent with the Detroit Compuware program, two years serving as an assistant under Watson with the Compuware Ambassadors of the North American Hockey League.

"After being groomed by the Compuware program, we are proud to welcome John Kisil to the Saginaw Spirit coaching staff," said managing partner and president Craig Goslin. "He comes to us with references at all levels of the game of hockey and all agree that his knowledge of the game and passion for teaching is extraordinary. John and Spirit head coach Todd Watson have great chemistry when working together and create a dynamic duo to lead the development of the Spirit players, both on and off the ice."

"I'm excited to be back with Todd," said Kisil. "We know what each other do."

The two share a similar coaching philosophy and approach to the game of hockey. Kisil lists clinching a Junior A national championship together with Watson and the Ambassadors as a highlight in his career.

Many players from the 2002 Compuware team went on to receive scholarships or pursue professional careers. Chris Conner (Dallas Stars) and Andy Greene (New Jersey Devils) are two standout examples.

Kisil is excited for the opportunity to work with the Spirit organization and witness similar development in the players he coaches.

"I like helping out where I can and being positive," said Kisil. "Anything I can do to work on individual skill with players and help them out."

Beyond experience behind the bench, Kisil has spent time with the LaFontaine Hockey Schools and as a private hockey instructor. He has already offered his time instructing Saginaw Spirit Hockey Schools in the area. Kisil's knowledge and passion for the game makes him a welcomed addition to the Spirit roster.

Article written by Jon Michael Canale
Central Michigan University Student
Saginaw Spirit PR Intern