Guest coaches named for CJHL Prospects Game

Former NHLers and Hamilton products Krys Barch and Adam Mair to be behind the benches

CALGARY, Alta. The Canadian Junior Hockey League, in partnership with the National Hockey League and Hockey Canada, announced Wednesday that former NHLers Krys Barch and Adam Mair will serve as the guest coaches for next week’s CJHL Prospects Game, which goes Tuesday, January 14 at 7 p.m. ET at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena in Hamilton, Ont.

Barch will work with Team East head coach Corey Beer of the Timmins Rock (NOJHL), while Mair will assist Team West bench boss Brian Maloney of the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL).

They are both Hamilton natives, who are currently player development coaches with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, that will bring a wealth of hockey experience to the contest.


The 39-year-old Barch is also an alumnus of the CJHL, having spent two seasons with the Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) where he produced 24 goals and 34 assists in 92 games back in the mid-1990s.

Originally drafted by the Washington Capitals, in the fourth round, 106th overall, in the 1998 NHL Draft, the forward later went on to spend eight campaigns in the NHL.

The majority of his time there was with the Dallas Stars, but he also skated with the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils.

He went on to compete in 381 NHL games where he had 12 tallies and helped set-up 23 others.


As for Mair, 40, after four years with the Owen Sound Attack (OHL) he was selected in the fourth round, 84th overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1997 NHL Draft.

He also helped Canada capture a silver medal at the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship in Winnipeg.

The forward went on to take part in 615 career NHL outings where he scored 38 times and dished out 76 assists for 114 points while with the Maple Leafs, Sabres, Devils and Los Angeles Kings.

“We thank both Krys and Adam for taking time out of their already busy hockey schedules to assist as guest coaches for the Prospects Game,” stated CJHL president Brent Ladds.

“Their experiences competing on the ice, and now in their respective roles as development coaches in the NHL, is sure to benefit the players and staffs immensely,” added Ladds. “We commend them for their willingness and participation to our prospects event.”

Tickets for the CJHL Prospects Game, which will be available at the door, are $15 for adults while seniors and students are $10.

Photo credits: NHLI via Getty Images