Former Cambridge Winter Hawks assistant coach Garrett Rutledge has been hired by the Saginaw Spirit to serve in the same capacity.
Rutledge, who doubled as the Winter Hawks assistant general manager in 2014-2015, will be making his second stop in Saginaw after previously being the team’s video/assistant coach from 2019 until 2021.
“I’m excited to re-join the Spirit on the bench,” Rutledge said in a release on the Spirit's website.
“When I left prior due to Covid, it felt a lot like unfinished business. Being given the chance to make another run will be exciting.”
Rutledge most recently served as the head coach and director of hockey operations for the Carolina Thunderbirds of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. His previous Ontario Hockey League experience also includes time with the Flint Firebirds as a scout, assistant and video coach.
“We’re excited to add Garrett to our bench,” Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill said.
“He showed great coaching aptitude in just two seasons with Carolina and found league-wide acclaim. It’s great to have him back in Saginaw with this new role.”
It’s gearing up to be a big season in Saginaw as they were named the host of the 2024 Memorial Cup back in March.
The Spirit begin the season on September 29 down the road in Kitchener before opening the home portion of their schedule the following night against Sarnia.