Former Checker named Preds' coach

Former Indianapolis Checker Peter Laviolette was named the head coach of the NHL's Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

Laviolette had previously coached the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup championship in 2006, and the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010. He is currently coaching the United States in the IIHF World Championships in Belarus, which begins Friday.

The Franklin, Mass. native played his rookie pro season for the Checkers in 1986-87, tallying 10 goals, 30 points and 146 PIMs in 72 games. He represented the United States in the 1988 Winter Olympics the following year. He retired from an 11-year playing career -- nearly all in the minor pro ranks -- in 1997, and immediately began coaching. He led the Providence Bruins to the AHL's Calder Cup in 1999, and was named the league's Coach of the Year. He became the New York Islanders' head coach in 2000, and has coached three different NHL franchises in the years since. He started this past season in Philadelphia, but was fired three games into the year.

Laviolette replaces Barry Trotz, who had been the only coach in Predators history.

Predators site and feature

Tuesday wrap

Nick Mattson scored a goal today in the Chicago Blackhawks prospect camp scrimmage, although he didn't seem to impress the Committed Indians bloggers. Some highlights of the Hawks camp are here. (personal note: I didn't see Hawks camp, obviously, but Mattson was USHL Defenseman of the Year for a reason ... but, for full disclosure, will post what those who were in attendance saw).

Current Ice defenseman R.J. Boyd is competing at Florida Panthers' development camp, which began today. Coverage is here from the Litter Box Cats.

Ice alum Stanislav Galiev is in the Washington Capitals camp. Galiev is blogging about his experiences in Washington. Video from the camp is here.

Looking back
Anthony Bitetto recently participated in the Nashville Predators camp. The Section 303 blog catches up with the former Ice defenseman.

Ben Blood just finished up the Ottawa Senators' development camp. He was part of the team that won the camp-ending 3-on-3 tournament. He will go back to North Dakota for his senior year.