By Michael Caples –
The American Hockey League announced their coach of the year today, and the award’s going to one of Michigan’s own.
Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, was named this year’s recipient of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award, given to the league’s most outstanding coach as voted by fellow coaches and members of the media in each of the league’s 30 cities.
Blashill, who was born in Detroit and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, has led the defending Calder Cup champions to a 46-22-2-4 record (98 pts.). His Griffins currently sit in second place in the Western Conference and only two points from claiming a second straight Midwest Division title.
The former Red Wings assistant coach has helped 1o Griffins players make NHL debuts this season, as well, in just his second AHL season.
Prior to joining the Red Wings’ organization, Blashill was the head coach of the Western Michigan Broncos. A Ferris State alum (he played goaltender for the Bulldogs), Blashill served as a longtime assistant coach with Miami University before impressing at the USHL level.