It never hurts to add experience to a coaching staff.

The Western States Hockey League’s (WSHL) Phoenix Knights did that recently in hiring Gilbert native Colten St. Clair as an assistant coach with the club to work with coach-GM Mike Bowman.

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“We are excited to bring Colten to our coaching staff,” said Bowman. “His recent playing experience and rise through the junior and NCAA ranks will help provide relevant insight into the process, something to which most players at this level should aspire. Colten is a solid person on and off the ice.”

Last spring, St. Clair was part of the University of North Dakota squad that captured the NCAA Division I national championship (pictured). Prior to college, St. Clair skated in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Fargo Force after a youth career with the Chandler Jr. Polar Bears (Mites), Phoenix Firebirds (Squirts through Bantams) and P.F. Chang’s (two years of 18U AAA).

“I just moved back to Arizona and I knew I wanted to stay involved with hockey somehow, so I went to the rink to see what was going on and I got word that the junior team needed some help, so I talked to Kurt Goar and he helped get me onto the staff to help out the team,” explained St. Clair, who turned 24 on Nov. 22. “The vibe is great. It’s a pretty young team and it seems like the team wants to get better because they are constantly asking questions about different situations. That tells me deep down that they are willing to do what it takes.”

In coaching, St. Clair said it’s something he may pursue as a career, but he’s just ecstatic to still be involved in the game – and doing it on his home turf.

“It’s great to be home with family and friends,” St. Clair said. “I haven’t lived at home in eight years, so it’s just setting in that I am moving back. I am just trying to find a career path and establish myself in the real world.”

Photo/Russell Hons Photography/UND Athletics

— Matt Mackinder