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New Jersey Devils: Alex Loh Pegged To Coach ECHL Team

By Nick Villano

SUMMERSIDE, PE - SEPTEMBER 25: Mackenzie Blackwood #70 of the New Jersey Devils passes his stick to a fan during Kraft Hockeyville Canada on September 25, 2017 at Credit Union Place in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
SUMMERSIDE, PE - SEPTEMBER 25: Mackenzie Blackwood #70 of the New Jersey Devils passes his stick to a fan during Kraft Hockeyville Canada on September 25, 2017 at Credit Union Place in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Adirondack Thunder named a brand new head coach on Wednesday. Alex Loh was chosen to lead the New Jersey Devils ECHL affiliate.

After much waiting, the New Jersey Devils named a new coach to help their system. No, I’m not talking about John Hynes assistant coaches, we’re discussing Alex Loh getting promoted to head coach of the Adirondack Thunder.

Loh was an assistant with the Thunder last season, and will be the team’s third head coach in team history. The team’s former head coach Brad Tapper left to take over head coaching duties with Grand Rapids of the AHL.

Hiring from within seems like the smart move for the Thunder. The team was very good last season, and made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Loh has been around for the three seasons this team has been in existence, so he brings a level of familiarity to the system.

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One may think this is insignificant to the health of the Devils, but that’s not true. The ECHL ends up getting some of the Devils prospects that are struggling and need a turn around. Think about this, MacKenzie Blackwood, who at one point was the future of Devils goaltending, had to spend time with the Thunder last season.

There is a logjam of talent with the Binghamton Devils this season. Adding Mikey McLeod, Yegor Sharangovich, John Ramage and Kurtis Gabriel to a young team beaming with potential. If some of those players falter early, or the ones already in the AHL, they could be sent to Loh for a short stint. That stink could turn their careers around for all we know.

Signing from within always seems like the safe choice, but in this situation it was the right choice. Loh has been around a winning culture, and he will continue that for as long as he stays in Glen Falls.

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