Kitchener Rangers name Andreas Karlsson as assistant coach
The Kitchener Rangers announced a pair of changes to their hockey operations staff on Wednesday.
The Rangers will not renew the contract of associate coach Jason Fortier, and have hired Andreas Karlsson in the role of assistant coach.
The Rangers would like to acknowledge and thank Jason for his efforts last season with the Club, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Andreas Karlsson joins the Rangers after spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the York University Lions men’s hockey team, helping guide the squad to an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Queen’s Cup championship and an appearance in the University Cup championship this past 2016-17 season.
Before his time at York he spent three seasons as the head coach of Frölunda HC J20, the top junior league in Sweden, between 2012-15.
Prior to his foray into coaching Karlsson enjoyed a successful playing career in his own right, being selected in the sixth round, 166th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He spent time in both the Swedish Elite League (Leksands IF, HV71 Jonkoping, Frolunda HC) and the National Hockey League (Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning) over the course of his 19-year professional playing career. He earned a bronze medal with Team Sweden at the 1995 IIHF World Junior Championship, and a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves during 2001-02 season. He also captured a gold medal at the World Hockey Championships as a member of Team Sweden in 2006.
“We would like to welcome Andreas and his family to the Rangers,” said general manager Mike McKenzie. “Andreas brings valuable playing and coaching experience with him, and was a big part of the success York University had the last two seasons. He also brings experience and passion for developing high end junior players from his time coaching in Frolunda, so we are extremely excited to add Andreas to our staff.”
On the bench Karlsson joins assistant coach Matthew Barnaby, who is entering his second season with the organization. Jay McKee enters his third season as a member of the Rangers’ coaching staff, and second as its head coach.
Media inquiries can be directed to:
Michelle Fortin
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club
(519) 576-3700 x223 (W)
[email protected]