The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the hiring of Anders Sorensen and Michael Peca as assistant coaches under Head Coach Jeff Blashill. This move comes alongside the return of goaltending coach Jimmy Waite, assistant coach/video coach Matt Meacham, and assistant video coach Adam Gill to the team's coaching staff.
Blashill expressed enthusiasm about Sorensen's addition, stating, “I’ve known Anders for many years and am thrilled to have someone of his caliber joining our staff. He’s a great coach who brings a unique perspective of this team, making him an invaluable resource. The job he’s done developing the young talent on this roster has been tremendous and I know he’ll continue to help this team forward as part of my staff.”
Michael Peca also received praise from Blashill: “Michael had a remarkable NHL career as a player and knows what it takes to be successful at this level. A two-time Selke winner, he brings the same focus and dedication to his coaching duties that defined him as a player, and the experience he’s gained as both make him an incredible asset to our staff.”
Sorensen returns to the Blackhawks after serving as interim head coach from December 2024. His tenure concluded with a 17-30-9 record in 56 games. Before his interim role with the Blackhawks, Sorensen was head coach for three seasons with their American Hockey League affiliate, Rockford IceHogs. During that time, he led them to a postseason appearance each year.
Peca joins from his recent position as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers from 2023-25. In his first season there, Peca helped guide the Rangers to an Eastern Conference Final appearance and secured a Presidents’ Trophy with a league-leading record.
The returning staff includes Waite who has been with the Blackhawks since 2014-15 after a long playing career including time spent in Chicago; Meacham who enters his 13th season; and Gill who joined in 2022-23 following eight years at Rockford.