Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon to Coach vs. Blues with Staff Self-Isolating

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistJanuary 27, 2021

John Locher/Associated Press

The Vegas Golden Knights announced that general manager Kelly McCrimmon would coach the team for Tuesday's game vs. the St. Louis Blues with the coaching staff "self-isolating ... due to COVID-19 protocols."

The Knights added that members of the Henderson Silver Knights' coaching staff—Las Vegas' AHL affiliate—would assist McCrimmon.

John Shannon @JShannonhl
#VGK source confirms that Manny Viveiros and Joel Ward will be on bench with Kelly McCrimmon. AHL coaches have been tested reguarly. https://t.co/sbYNgOlA7H

The Golden Knights have started the season out 5-1 as they seek to reach the postseason this year for the fourth time in as many years. Since reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in their maiden season of 2017-18, the organization has never missed the postseason.

McCrimmon, 60, has experience as a head coach, holding the position for the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings from in three separate stints (1990-1992, 2004-2011, 2013-2016). He was also the team's sole owner from 2000-2020 and also held the role of general manager for the team.

Leah Hextall @leahhextall
Kelly McCrimmon steps behind the bench for the Golden Knights. Holding down the GM & Head Coach roles isn’t new for McCrimmon - did so with his former Jr. team. I worked the BWK beat in #BdnMB during one of his tenures and Psssst - McCrimmon loved doing both at one time! 🤫 https://t.co/c4S34jsRpv

He's served as the Golden Knights' general manager since May 2019. He first joined the team in Aug. 2016 as an assistant general manager.

The Golden Knights face the Blues (3-2-1) again on Thursday evening. It's unclear if McCrimmon will have to reprise his role as head coach for that contest as well.

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