Anderson new Thrashers coach

JUNE 20, 2008 -- ATLANTA -- Anderson coached Atlanta's AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves to the Calder Cup Championship last week and has won for league championships with the Wolves (IHL Turner Cup in 1997–98 and 1999–00; AHL Calder Cup in 2001–02 and 2007-08) as well as a Colonial League title with the Quad City Mallards in 1997, giving him five titles in 13 seasons as a head coach.

Prior to becoming a coach the Toronto native enjoyed a 17-year pro career as a player that included 814 games in the NHL where he amassed 282 goals, 349 assists, and 631 points with Toronto, Quebec, and Hartford.

"There's no doubt that we had a great pool of candidates to pick from and John brings a wealth of experience to the table and most importantly he's had great success at every level he has coached. He played 12 years in the National Hockey League and had a great pro career and now we've given him the opportunity to coach the Thrashers. I think it's a great move for our franchise and it puts our franchise in the position to take the next step."

Waddell also sees Anderson's hiring as a sign of maturity for the franchise as it draws from within to hire a coach.

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