Former NHL forward Scott Gomez has been named head coach of the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL), becoming only the second Hispanic coach in the league’s history.
Gomez, 45, brings years of top-level experience to the role. He played 1,079 NHL games over 16 seasons and won the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils. Most recently, he was head coach and general manager of the Surrey Eagles in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), where he led the team to a strong regular season and a playoff appearance.
He now takes over from Mike Garman, who left to become an associate coach at Notre Dame after eight seasons with the Steel.
“I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of head coach for the Chicago Steel,” Gomez said. “This organisation has a tradition of success and a commitment to developing players both as athletes and as people. I want the Steel to be the best place for players preparing for the next level.”
Gomez, who is of Mexican and Colombian heritage, joins Marco Treviño as the only Hispanic coaches currently leading teams in the USHL. Treviño, who is Mexican American, was promoted to head coach of the Tri-City Storm in December.
USHL president Glenn Hefferan praised the hiring. “Scott’s NHL experience, leadership and understanding of player development will make an immediate impact on the organisation, the community and Steel ownership. Coaches like Gomez and Treviño show our commitment to growing the game and inspiring the next generation.”
Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first round in 1998, Gomez finished his NHL career with 756 points. He also represented the United States at the 2006 Winter Olympics. After retiring in 2016, he served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders before returning to junior hockey to coach in the BCHL.
Gomez is no stranger to junior hockey success. As a player, he starred for South Surrey in the BCHL, scoring 124 points in the 1996–97 season and helping the team reach the RBC Cup final. He was named BCHL Rookie of the Year and the tournament’s top forward.
His new role with the Chicago Steel marks another step in a remarkable hockey journey and a proud moment for representation in the sport.
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
