By Michael Caples –
The Plymouth Whalers and the Compuware Youth Program announced today that a big-name alum will be returning as a coach.
Dearborn native John Vigilante, 29, is the new coach of the Compuware Midget Major club. The Whalers alum, who played in Plymouth from 2002-06 after skating with the U.S. NTDP, had his professional career cut short when a heart ailment was discovered during his training camp experience with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
“We’re happy to have Vig on board,” said Mike Henry, Compuware Youth Hockey Director, via the Whalers’ official website. “His track record as a player speaks for itself. John has a passion for the game, played for Compuware and the Whalers and has a ton of experience and success that adds a lot to the program.
“He’s been a good player for the program, but is a better person.”
Vigilante, who played for the Compuware ’85s youth team growing up, was the Whalers’ captain in 2005-06. In the release from the team, he said he’s excited to get to work with his new club, whose season just ended a few weeks ago.
“One season ends, we take a week off, and then get right back into things again,” Vigilante said. “It’s a new chapter (in my life), but I can’t wait to get started.”
Vigilante’s brother, Mike, and fellow Whalers alum Damian Surma will serve as assistant coaches for the Midget Major team, along with Jim Nesich and Nick Michels.
“We have a real good, diverse staff, with my brother (Mike Vigilante), me and Damian, Jim Nesich and Nick – a lot of players (with experience) and a lot of games played on the staff that took different routes in hockey,” Vigilante said. “I had one coach tell me, ’If you’re good enough to make it to the next level, it doesn’t matter what path you take, you’re going to make it to a higher level.’ So that’s a message I’m going to tell our kids.”