Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant Coach George Gwozdecky Leaving Team

Tampa Bay Lightning Assistant Coach George Gwozdecky has elected to leave the team and explore other career opportunities.

The off-season has officially begun for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and with that starts the time when the team makes all the changes necessary to prepare themselves for a successful season when October finally arrives.

It is no real shocker for a player to be traded to another team or for a player that has become a Restricted or Unrestricted Free Agent to make their way to another team and begin a whole new journey.

At the same time, unless your team is undergoing a major reconstruction, it is slightly less likely for a member of the coaching staff to make their way to another team, or simply explore other options.

The latter is exactly what is happening right now in the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.

Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced today via the official Tampa Bay Lightning site that Assistant Coach George Gwozdecky has elected to leave the Lightning organization and pursue other opportunities.

George Gwozdecky joined the Tampa Bay Lightning in August of 2013 and has been an instrumental part of Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper’s team which has cultivated a young group of hockey players and turned them into the champions we see out on the ice today.

Steve Yzerman has nothing but positive things to say about the now-former Lightning Assistant Coach as he made the official announcement of Gwozdecky’s departure.

"“Jon Cooper and I, along with the entire Lightning organization, would like to thank George and his family for giving us the past two years,” Yzerman said. “He helped turn a young, unproven team into the Eastern Conference Champions and we appreciate his professionalism and dedication.” – Steve Yzerman via Tampa Bay Lightning"

While Gwozdecky did not reveal the reasons that influenced his decision to leave the Lightning organization, he was very thankful to Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and everyone responsible for giving him two memorable years with the organization.

"“I have fulfilled my obligation with the Tampa Bay Lightning and I am going to take some time away to consider my next career step,” Gwozdecky stated. “I would like to thank owner Jeff Vinik, GM Steve Yzerman, coach Jon Cooper and the entire Lightning staff for two very memorable years.” – George Gwozdecky via Tampa Bay Lightning"

While we are sad to see Gwozdecky leave the Lightning organization we here at Bolts By The Bay most certainly wish him well in his new journey and all future endeavors he may choose to undertake.

At this point, there is no word on who may be stepping into the open coaching position, but as soon as the information becomes available will be sure to bring the information right to you. Join us in wishing Lightning Assistant Coach George Gwozdecky well by leaving your comments below.

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