The Genting Casino Coventry Blaze are pleased to confirm the appointment of Zach Vinnell as Assistant Coach to Kevin Moore.
On the back of winning the Elite League Grand Slam with Sheffield Steelers last season, Vinnell, 26, has opted to retire from playing to pursue the coaching opportunity in Coventry.
Beginning the 2023/24 season with Glasgow Clan, the versatile Canadian moved to the Steelers in December, going on to play an important role in the club winning the league, Challenge Cup and Playoffs.
A defenceman, who could also play a role as a forward, Vinnell turned professional with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel when Moore was Assistant Coach in 2022/23 and the pair built a positive connection.
Vinnell’s NCAA career was spent mainly at Merrimack College (2019-2022) where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He then moved on to Bowling Green State University (2022/23) where he achieved a master’s degree.
Prior, he spent three seasons in the AJHL with Camrose Kodiaks where he was an associate Captain and left as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer by a defenceman.
Head Coach Kevin Moore commented, “Zach came on to my radar when I was working in Indy. We had him for a few months after he finished school, and he really impressed me. He is really detailed, hardworking, smart and curious.
“After the recent season ended, we spoke, and he made it clear that he really wanted to pursue coaching. Through the interview process, he really impressed me in many ways, and I loved how he challenged me and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
“As a previous defenceman and a forward, he will bring experience of playing in those roles, and he is very good at skills development which is particularly important for our younger British guys.
“He was part of an organisation that won the treble in this league last season and having that experience, and knowing what it takes will be valuable for him to share with our players.
“He has followed a similar path to our players, through the NCAA and into pro and so he will be able to relate and help with that transition and make our players the best versions of themselves.
“I am really excited to work with him again.”
