Chiefs assistant coach, ex-captain Sawyer resigns

The Spokane Chiefs hockey team announced Tuesday that two-year assistant coach Kevin Sawyer has resigned his position because of issues unrelated to hockey.

“I want to be there for my family more than this position will allow me to be,” Sawyer said in a press release. “Coaching is a very demanding position and I know first hand how much time I need to commit. With my family demands, I know I can’t be as committed as I have to be to help the organization be successful.

“The Spokane Chiefs are a big part of who I have become as a person. From playing, to turning pro, to becoming a coach, the Chiefs family has helped me achieve my dreams. I will always be proud to be a Chief.”

Sawyer, 32, rejoined the Chiefs in 2004 as an assistant coach and became the first former player to return to Spokane and take on a full-time coaching position.

Sawyer played in Spokane from 1992-95 and served as team captain in the final season in the Coliseum. The Christina Lake, British Columbia, product owns the franchise record for career penalty minutes with 989 in 176 games.

Of Sawyer’s 110 career games in the National Hockey League, 97 were played with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks from 2000-03.

In 2001-02, Sawyer played a career-high 57 games and finished fourth in the NHL with 221 penalty minutes.

The following year, his last in the NHL, Sawyer played 31 games and posted 115 penalty minutes.

Sawyer played eight years of professional hockey.

“It was very rewarding for me and our organization to have Kevin as a player and a coach,” Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz said.

“I understand the decision Kevin has made,” Chiefs head coach Bill Peters said. “I know it was a hard choice to make, but it shows the quality of the individual. I truly believe Kevin will be back in the game when the timing is right.”

The Chiefs will begin the process to fill the position immediately.