Former NHLer and World Junior Champion Jerry D’Amigo joins Aviator staff as Assistant Coach

The Elmira Aviators have brought on former Toronto Maple Leaf and Buffalo Sabre Jerry D’Amigo as an assistant coach.

D’Amigo brings outstanding experience to the Aviators, especially at the junior level. The Binghamton native helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships. D’Amigo led that squad in scoring for the tournament.

He also represented his country at the 2010 and 2011 World Junior Championships, securing gold in 2010 and bronze in 2011.

Coach D’Amigo wants to help develop Aviator players to play at the next level.

“I think the main thing is, especially at this level is just getting guys to the next step,” D’Amigo said. “I think they want to go D1 to D3 and whatever I can do, along with winning is always the goal.”

D’Amigo played Division 1 college hockey at RPI.

He has already been getting involved with the team’s power play units. D’Amigo has plenty of experience in all aspects of special teams.

“I played power play, penalty kill, everything under the sun,” D’Amigo said. “I think the most success you have is if you just outwork the other unit and the other team.”

The Elmira Aviators’ President of Hockey Operations Ray Welsh made this statement regarding D’Amigo’s appointment:

“We’re excited to welcome Jerry D’Amigo to the Elmira Aviators as an assistant coach! A two-time gold medalist with Team USA and an NHL veteran with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres, Jerry brings elite experience and passion for player development. Welcome aboard, Jerry!” – Ray Welsh, President of Hockey Operations

D’Amigo will have his first in-game involvement behind the Aviator bench on Friday, Jan. 3 against the New Hampshire Mountain Kings. During Friday’s game, the Aviators will honor current assistant coach and former Elmira Jackal Eddy Lowe.

The games can be streamed on NATV and listened to on Big Foot Country Legends.

Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him email [email protected].