Whalers hire Stefan, promote Mattson

The Plymouth Whalers hired Joe Stefan as the team’s new assistant coach on Monday.

Stefan (pictured), the brother of former Whalers’ assistant coach Greg Stefan, worked for the Whalers as a scout for two seasons before moving behind the bench.

“I’ve known Joe a long time and am very comfortable with his coaching style,” Plymouth coach-GM Mike Vellucci said. “He’s done a good job for us in scouting and pre-scouting around the league. We’re excited to have Joe in Plymouth.”

After playing in the OHL from 1983-86, Stefan played in the old International Hockey League from 1987-91 before moving to England, where he played from 1991-2002 in the British National League. Stefan was also coach and GM of the Slough Jets of the BNL from 1998-2002.

“I’ve been waiting for a chance like this since coming back from Europe,” Stefan said. “I’m very happy to be on board. I’m going to bring an upbeat attitude to the bench and the dressing room. The players will be prepared to play.”

In a related move, Vellucci named Adam Mattson Plymouth’s director of operations and video coach. Mattson started two years ago as an intern and became the video coach last season.