The Springfield Jr. Blues, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are excited to announce the hiring of Tyler Rennette as the new head coach and general manager.
The Ontarian was behind the bench last season for Springfield as the assistant coach after spending the previous two seasons as the Peoria Mustangs head coach. Tyler played nine professional seasons in the AHL, ECHL, and UHL before making the move to coaching.
“Having spent the previous season as assistant coach, I know that Tyler has a lot to offer our club,” said owner, Dan Ferguson. “We also share the same objectives and beliefs about the Springfield Jr. Blues, which will make for a smooth transition for our veterans and prospects. I look forward to working with Tyler and further success for our team.”
Rennette lead the Mustangs in the NA3HL to a combined record of 55-31-8 and finished 2nd in the Mid West Division for 2016 while coaching in Peoria. “Leaving Peoria for Springfield last summer was a tough decision, but it has definitely proven to be the right one,” said Rennette.
“I am very thankful for the time I spent with coach Zasowski as assistant coach, and I look forward to continuing on the Springfield tradition of developing student athletes. I am already busy recruiting to compliment the strong group of returning veterans for the 2017-18 season.”
Drafted 2nd overall in the 1996 OHL draft by the North Bay Centennials, Rennette spent four seasons in the OHL between North Bay and Erie notching 77 goals and 189 points in 177 games. Drafted 40th overall in the 1997 NHL entry draft by the St. Louis Blues, Rennette enjoyed a nine-year professional career before retiring in 2011. He led the Peoria Rivermen in goals in 2003 with 42 and in 2004 with 31.
Rennette currently lives in Dunlap, IL with his wife, Julie, sons, Owen, 10, Ryder, seven, and daughter, Stella, five.
