With an open spot on the staff after the departure of Tyler Ertel, the vacant position on the Soo Greyhounds bench officially got filled this afternoon.
The team has hired former OHL forward Daniel Nikandrov as its new assistant coach.
Nikandrov, 29, joins the team after spending the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach with St. Francis Xavier University in Canadian university hockey.
“Daniel's coaching career has seen remarkable growth, and it seems he is only beginning his journey," Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis said. "We are confident that he will be a tremendous asset to our staff and a great resource for our players."
“His thorough attention to detail, along with his dedication to the development of players' skills both on and off the ice will greatly enhance our team and the program overall," Raftis added.
Before joining St. FX, Nikandrov spent time as head coach of the Don Mills Flyers from 2020 to 2023, video coach with the Barrie Colts in 2021-22, and assistant coach with the York University Lions from 2019 to 2022.
Nikandrov has also worked as the lead instructor with Direction Hockey since 2019.
As a player, he skated for four seasons in the OHL, primarily with the Sarnia Sting before finishing his junior career with the Peterborough Petes.
Nikandrov said he's "thrilled" to join the Greyhounds staff, calling it a "privilege to join a storied group with a clear purpose and high expectations."