“It’s a bonus for me that he was a NTDP alum,” Muse said. “When you have somebody who has been in their shoes and through that experience, it’s unique. Chad has that first-hand knowledge, and it will help.”
Meanwhile, for Gilroy, it seemed like a natural transition that he would go into coaching after his hockey career was over.
“I have always been a coach; I grew up in a large family where I’m the second oldest of 10 kids,” he said. “My dad ran the basketball leagues. I taught my little brother and sisters to play hockey, basketball, how to ride a bike, and even swim.”
Gilroy’s journey in hockey took a few twists and turns along the way. He played collegiately at Boston University for four seasons (2005-09) where he began his career as a walk-on and developed into a three-time All-American and the Hobey Baker Award winner in 2009. His 10-year professional playing career included playing five years in the NHL along with time in Europe.
“The players who are going into the national program want a career in hockey and want get to places where I was,” Gilroy said. “I definitely had good coaches and mentors along that way that helped me. Now, I get to help mentor and coach these kids, and help them grow as hockey players and individuals.”
After his playing career, Gilroy spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings AAA youth hockey program, coaching at the 12U and 14U age levels.
When he had the opportunity to join the NTDP as an assistant coach, it was a no brainer for him.
“The NTDP is special from top to bottom,” he said. “They have the elite players who want to get better. I get to learn from all the coaches and the high-level players. You can mold your philosophies around these players.”
When it came time to hire a new assistant coach, Nick Fohr, the U17 head coach, was looking for someone who could relate to his players.
“More than anything, he brings to our staff that he has played at the highest level,” Fohr said. “He made it to the NHL and that is where these players want to go. It adds so much value. I didn’t live that life. I can talk about it but it’s not the same.”
There is one important lesson that Gilroy has always taken with him, which is something that he can help instill in working with the U17 team this upcoming season.
“I can show that there are different routes and ways, twists and turns in your hockey career,” he said. “You need to stay with it. Be a good person and work hard and things will work out.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
