Coyotes sign assistant Fuhr to extension

The Coyotes signed goaltending coach Grant Fuhr to a two-year contract extension while Gord Pell has been hired as an amateur scout and Robert Nordmark has been hired as a European scout.

Fuhr will enter his fourth season as goaltending coach for the Coyotes. He is responsible for all duties related to the ongoing development of the goaltenders within the organization. Last season, Coyotes goaltenders combined for a 2.70 goals against average (GAA), a .911 save percentage and six shutouts. Starting goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, who set career-highs in wins (28) and shutouts (3) as well as career bests in GAA (2.44) and save percentage (.920), finished the season tied for sixth in the NHL in save percentage.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 (his first year of eligibility), Fuhr played 19 seasons in the NHL from 1981-82 to 1999-00 with six different teams (Edmonton, Toronto, Buffalo, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Calgary). He began his career and had his greatest seasons while playing for the Edmonton Oilers from 1981-82 to 1990-91. During his time in Edmonton, Fuhr earned five Stanley Cup Championships with the Oilers (1984, ‘85, ‘87, ‘88, ’90) and played in the NHL All-Star Game six times (1982, ‘84-86, ‘88-89). He was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 1988 and the NHL Second All-Star Team in 1982. In addition, Fuhr won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender once (1988).

Pell joins the Coyotes as an amatuer scout after spending the last five seasons on the Ottawa Senators’ scouting staff. Pell, who will be based in Toronto, spent three seasons as a scout with the Edmonton Oilers prior to joining the Senators. Pell enjoyed a fine junior hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League and Western Hockey League, recording 64-90-154 and 168 penalty minutes (PIM) in three seasons (1989-1992).

Nordmark will beign his first season as a European scout for the Coyotes. A former NHL defenseman, Nordmark appeared in 236 career games for Vancouver and St. Louis from 1987-1991, recording 13-70-83 and 254 PIM. He will be based in Stockholm, Sweden.