The Abbotsford Canucks have found a new video coach just down the highway.
On Friday (July 5), the Chilliwack Chiefs announced the departure of associate coach Andrew Shaw. They revealed he is heading to the Abbotsford Canucks to take on the role of video coach.
Shaw spent the 2023-24 BCHL season behind the Chiefs bench and was also an associate coach with the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings in 2022-23. Prior to heading to Prince George he was the Chiefs video coach from 2019 to 2021 and an assistant coach with Chilliwack in 2021-22,
The 34-year-old Chilliwack product played one season (2008-09) with the Nipawin Kings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and then spent parts of two seasons (2008-10) with the Castlegar Rebels of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. He went on to play one season with the UFV Cascades hockey team in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League in 2010-11.
He collected 41 points in 48 games in his final year in Castlegar and then added 22 points in 20 games for the Cascades.
“While taking the next step in my coaching journey is exciting, it is difficult to move on from a first-class organization,” he stated on the Chiefs website. “I am grateful for the experiences and relationships built over the last five years. The Chiefs’ strength lies in its people. I’m indebted to the players and staff, especially Brian Maloney, who provided me with countless opportunities and an endless amount of mentorship over the years.”
In addition to his video work, Shaw also worked on the penalty kill with the Chiefs. Chilliwack head coach and general manager Brian Maloney stated that Shaw has developed a lot since joining the Chiefs five years ago.
“Andrew came to us as a young local kid carrying tons of knowledge. He was good at listening and wanted to learn,” he stated. “So many coaches are stubborn and stuck in their ways, but Shaw was willing to adapt and improve.”
Shaw will join new Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra and recently-hired assistant coach Jordan Smith as new staff members for the 2024-25 season. He replaces Ian Beckenstein, who accepted a role as assistant video coach with the Vancouver Canucks last month.