Former Penguins assistant coach Mike Vellucci joins Blackhawks
Former Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Mike Vellucci has joined the Chicago Blackhawks in an identical capacity.
The Blackhawks announced Vellucci’s hiring Monday.
Vellucci had been a member of the Penguins organization since he took over as general manager and head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2019.
After a single season with the American Hockey League affiliate, Vellucci was promoted to an assistant role with the NHL club under former head coach Mike Sullivan.
During his five seasons in that station, Vellucci oversaw the Penguins’ forwards and penalty-killing unit.
When Sullivan parted ways with the Penguins on April 28, president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas indicated Vellucci as well as fellow assistant coach Ty Hennes and goaltending coach Andy Chiodo were free to pursue other jobs but would be given an opportunity to interview for their incumbent roles with Sullivan’s replacement, who has yet to be hired.
Assistant coach David Quinn remains under contract.
In May, assistant video coach CJ D’Alimonte left the Penguins to pursue other opportunities.
Vellucci won a gold medal last month while serving as an assistant coach with the United States in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Championship tournament.
Seth Rorabaugh is a TribLive reporter covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A North Huntingdon native, he joined the Trib in 2019 and has covered the Penguins since 2007. He can be reached at srorabaugh@triblive.com.
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