SIUE recently announced the appointment of former National Hockey League player Darin Kimble as head club ice hockey coach, which could be a turning point for the team's future.
Darin Kimble, Head Club Hockey Coach
Kimble's illustrious career includes playing for several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and Quebec Nordiques.
Known for his traditional approach to the game, Kimble was the former head varsity coach at Granite City High School, where he led the team to three championships.
While many of the current players are from Granite City teams, Kimble said he will give preference to players who can demonstrate dedication to the sport.
“They've won championships. They know how to win championships. It takes everybody to win a championship. They understand that,” Kimble said. “There are no favorites in this game. I'm all about honesty. I love effort. So if you want to put in the effort, I'll get you some ice time.”
Additionally, he helped Missouri win a state championship in Carshield AAA hockey.
“[AAA Hockey is] “Living in St. Louis, it's a different situation because we had the AAA Blues and I coached the CarShield team,” Kimble said, “so it's all about what I do. I'm not here looking for my friends. My friends are right around me, and that's my assistant coach.”
Joining head coach Kimble will be assistant coach Kyle Watson.
Club Hockey Assistant Coach Kyle Watson
“I started playing when I was about 5 years old,” Watson says. “It was because of Brett Hall. Brett Hall came to St. Louis. [and] Hockey was popular, my dad became a fan and got me into skating. [I] I quickly fell in love with hockey. [and] I played all the way to the Twin Bridges program based out of East Alton.”
Watson also played one year of hockey at SIUE, giving him a better understanding of the team’s inner workings.
“I've always said that when I retire, I can't wait to become a coach,” Watson said.
A former player with 15 years of experience, Watson also holds USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certification and is SafeSport certified.
“About nine years ago, I started coaching. [Granite City High School and] Initially [an assistant coach] “For two years,” Watson said, “and then Darrin came in and I became the head JV coach. [and] He won at that level, and then I was his assistant for four or five years.”
While Watson has a more energetic and strategic approach to coaching, Kimble is the spokesman for the pair and is crucial to the team's improvement.
“There's always going to be bad guys in baseball, and you have to speak up, and I'm the one to speak up,” Kimble said. “We're not here to punish anybody, but we want to win. That's our mission. I'm not here to lose, I promise you that.”
Sophomore defenseman and club president Ethan Kuhnell said the new coaching staff has made him feel more confident at his position.
“I was a freshman when I voted for the board,” Quesnel said. “So, [me.] There are older players on the court, so I have a great support system. So, not only me, but the coaches, [Assistant Director of Recreational Programs of Club Sports Natalie Rosales-Hawkins and] The rest of the board, we're all in this together.”
SIUE Ice Hockey to host 2024-25 season Selection The events will take place on August 23 and August 25. Admission to SIUE is required to attend.
“It's their job to make the team, and then once they're on the team, it's my job to make them better, get them together as a team and hopefully win,” Kimble said.
