Getting To Know Ryan McGill

Ryan McGill has done just about everything in hockey. He can now add working with an expansion team in Vegas to the list.
McGill was added to Gerard Gallant's coaching staff on Thursday and will be in charge of the defence with the Golden Knights.
"The opportunity to work with this group of people and to be part of a startup with such a solid and well conceived plan convinced me this was the right move," said McGill, 48. "I can learn a lot from Gerard Gallant and that's what you want - to keep moving forward and getting better as a coach. Gerard has that rare ability to get players to want to play for him and each other. It's key in today's game."
McGill played in the NHL (Chicago, Philadelphia, Edmonton), won a Turner Cup (IHL) as a player and a Memorial Cup as a coach.
McGill has extensive coaching experience at the junior, AHL and NHL levels. Primarily a head coach in junior and the AHL, McGill also spend two seasons as an assistant in the NHL with the Calgary Flames.

"Ryan has a great resume and all you hear is good things about him," said Gallant. "He'll really help our defence. He played defence as a player and he understands the position. We're excited we were able to land him. He'll mix in with Mike (Kelly) and myself. We've got a nice blend of personalities on the bench and in the room."
A second round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1987 draft, McGill's playing career ended due to an eye injury.
With influences such as Darryl Sutter, Bill Dineen, Craig Hartsburg and Ken Hitchcock in his background, McGill moved into coaching. He's a demanding coach who understands life from a player's perspective. McGill will hold players accountable but can also relate and foster relationships with players which is key in today's game.
"I love coaching. No two days are the same. I love working with people," said McGill. "My style as a coach is I'm a teacher and a problem solver. I love watching young players make strides on the ice and off and with the young group we're going to start out with in Vegas, I just think this is a perfect opportunity for me and I'm thrilled to be involved. I can't wait to get started."