Henderson Silver Knights’ name Ryan Craig head coach

The Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced Monday that their American Hockey League affiliate Henderson Silver Knights have named Ryan Craig as head coach.

Craig joined the Golden Knights staff in the inaugural 2017-18 season and served as an assistant coach. He was a part of the 2022-23 Golden Knights Stanley Cup Championship team.

“I have tremendous respect for Ryan Craig as both a person and a professional and believe we have an ideal coach to lead our team in Henderson,” McCrimmon said. “He is a proven leader who has learned from some of the game’s best coaches. He understands the importance of the AHL level both in terms of developing our NHL prospects and creating a winning environment.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Silver Knights and know we have the ingredients for success in place in Henderson,” Craig said. “I believe my playing and coaching experiences, highlighted by this year’s Stanley Cup run, have prepared me well for this next step in my career. My family and I thank the Las Vegas community for being so welcoming during the last six years and appreciate the chance to remain here moving forward.”

As a player, the Abbotsford, British Columbian played five seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1998-99 through 2002-03. He served as team captain from 2001-to-2003. During the 2002-03 campaign, Craig notched 42 goals and 74 points in 60 games, earning himself a WHL (EAST) First All-Star Team nod. Additionally, Craig won the CHL and WHL Humanitarian of the Year awards.

Craig was drafted in the 8th round of the 2002 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, combining 32 goals and 31 assists for 63 points in 198 career NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets. During the 2015-16 AHL season, Craig won the Caler Cup with the Lake Erie Monsters, the following season he was named to the AHL All-Star Game.