In a move that underscores the evolving landscape of professional hockey coaching, former Olympic figure skating gold medalist David Pelletier has officially joined the Dallas Stars as an assistant coach. This marks a significant step in the coaching career of the 50-year-old Quebec native, transitioning from a specialized role focusing solely on skating technique to a broader position within an NHL bench staff.
Pelletier is perhaps best known for his memorable performance alongside partner Jamie Salé at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Their pairs figure skating gold medal was eventually shared with the Russian team after a judging controversy that became one of the prominent storylines of those Games – a unique path to the top of the podium, perhaps fittingly for a career that now takes a unique path to an NHL bench.
Before stepping into this new assistant coaching role, Pelletier honed his skills within the hockey world for over a decade. For the past eleven years, he served as a skating coach for the Edmonton Oilers. In this capacity, he focused on the fundamental, yet critical, skill of skating for NHL players – working to improve edge work, speed, agility, and overall fluidity on the ice. This extensive experience within a professional hockey environment provides a solid foundation for his expanded responsibilities.
The move reunites Pelletier with Glen Gulutzan, the new head coach of the Dallas Stars. Gulutzan, who himself spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach with the very same Edmonton Oilers, was appointed the Stars` head coach on July 1st. He stepped in after the team parted ways with Peter DeBoer following consecutive playoff eliminations at the hands of… yes, the Edmonton Oilers, in the Western Conference Final. It seems the Stars decided if you can`t beat `em, hire some of their key personnel.
Pelletier joins a coaching staff that includes Alain Nasreddine and Neil Graham as fellow assistant coaches, Jeff Reese overseeing goaltenders, and Patrick Dolan and Chris Demczuk handling video analysis. His addition brings a highly specialized technical perspective to the group. While the demands of an assistant coach encompass much more than just skating – involving strategy, player management, and game planning – Pelletier`s deep understanding of on-ice mechanics is expected to be a valuable asset for player development and team performance.
Bringing in a figure skating champion to an NHL coaching staff might raise an eyebrow in traditional circles, but it reflects a growing recognition of the paramount importance of skating prowess in the modern, fast-paced game of hockey. Pelletier`s journey from Olympic gold medalist to long-time NHL skating guru, and now to a full assistant coach role, is certainly unconventional, yet entirely logical in its application of elite athletic and technical knowledge to the demands of the sport. The Dallas Stars are clearly banking on this unique expertise to help propel them forward.
