GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Griffins are losing head coach Todd Nelson to the NHL.
Nelson is heading to the Dallas Stars, where he will serve as an assistant coach, according to a Thursday news release from the Griffins.
In his three seasons as head coach with the Griffins, Nelson led the team to three playoff appearances and a Calder Cup in 2017.
Nelson was also the first player ever signed to a Griffins contract ahead of the team’s inaugural season in 1996. In his 236 games, Nelson racked up 67 points as a defenseman.
Before that, Nelson played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.
The Griffins also gave Nelson his coaching start in 2002, when he became a full-time assistant coach for a season, helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals.
Nelson’s previous stints with the NHL including serving as assistant to the Atlanta Thrashers from 2008 to 2010, and interim head coach for the Edmonton Oilers during their 2014-2015 season.
Nelson also previously coached the American Hockey League's Oklahoma City Barons and served as an assistant for the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.