Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

James Patrick, uncle of potential No. 1 overall pick Nolan Patrick, named coach of WHL’s Kootenay Ice

Buffalo Sabres v New Jersey Devils

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - FEBRUARY 3: Assistant coach James Patrick of the Buffalo Sabres looks on during the game against the New Jersey Devils at Continental Airlines Arena on February 3, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Devils won 3-2. (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Nolan Patrick could be taken No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft later this month. On Tuesday, there was another reason for the family to celebrate.

His uncle, James Patrick, a veteran of almost 1,300 NHL games as a defenseman with the New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres, was named head coach of the WHL’s Kootenay Ice, signing a three-year deal.

Taken ninth overall in the 1981 NHL Draft, James Patrick had been an NHL assistant coach for the past 11 years, starting with Buffalo in 2006-07, before he eventually moved on to Dallas from 2013 to 2017.

“He has a tremendous amount of experience, understands what it takes to be a pro, develop as a pro and create a world class player experience,” said Ice general manager Matt Cockell of Patrick in a statement.

Nolan Patrick played three seasons for the Brandon Wheat Kings, a WHL opponent of the Ice. He could, following the draft, make the jump to the NHL next season.