There are New Jersey Devils legends across hockey that have become coaches, some taking on head coaching roles. It's what happens when a team wins three Stanley Cups in less than a decade and has a long history of success. That success becomes a life lesson that can be instilled on younger generations.
One Devils legend has been growing his coaching resume by slowing building himself. Scott Gomez left his active playing career in 2016. After his second stint with the Devils was positive one, he signed with the St. Louis Blues. That didn't go so well, and he ended up playing most of that season in the AHL in his late 30s.
After his retirement, Gomez joined the New York Islanders as an assistant. He was there for two years, but he chose not to stay after he 2018-19 season. He didn't have a solidified hockey job again until he joined the Surrey Eagles, the BCHL team he played for during his junior career. Gomez started as an assistant coach, but he took over as head coach last season.
Last week, the Eagles announced that Gomez would be leaving the organization, and the rumors started to swirl. Most believed that he was interviewing with the Chicago Steel, and that's where Gomez ended up.
Scott Gomez accepts the head coaching job for the USHL's Chicago Steel
Gomez is taking over a franchise that enjoyed recent success. They are four years removed from a championship, their second in a five season span. When they missed the postseason in the USHL, it was clear a change was needed to keep winning. Gomez has shown he can get his team on the winning track.
This is a huge win for the Steel, and it's also a huge win for Gomez. He will get important experience that could lead to an opportunity in the AHL, NCAA, or back on an NHL bench as an assistant.