Oil Kings add WHL, NHL alumnus Chipchura as development coach

The Edmonton Oil Kings have hired former NHL and WHL player Kyle Chipchura as a development coach, the team announced Tuesday.

Chipchura, 37, has spent the past two seasons coaching with the CSSHL’s Northern Alberta Xtreme program. During the 2021-22 season, he was an assistant coach with the U15 Prep team and this past season, he was the head coach of the U17 Prep team while also serving as an assistant coach at the Alberta Cup.

Hailing from Westlock, Alta., Chipchura began his coaching career after playing 15 seasons of professional hockey from 2006-2020, which included 481 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes.

Chipchura also captured a Calder Cup Championship with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs in 2007.

He finished his playing career in the KHL playing in 183 games over four seasons with HC Slovan Bratislava, Kunlun Red Star and Severstal Cherepovets.

Prior to turning pro, Chipchura spent four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders and was selected in the first round of the 2004 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. In his final season in the WHL, he not only was named captain of the Raiders, but also Team Canada at the 2006 World Junior Championship where he would help the team win gold.

Chipchura joins Ladislav Smid as a development coach with the organization. Smid, who is entering his second season with the Club, will oversee the development of Oil Kings prospects, while Chipchura will work with the team during practices and home games.