The Chicago Blackhawks have added to their new-look coaching staff today. The team announced the hiring of assistant coach Rob Cookson to Derek King’s staff, as well as naming assistant coach Marc Crawford to the title of associate coach.
The #Blackhawks have hired Rob Cookson as an assistant coach. In addition, the team named Marc Crawford associate coach on Interim Head Coach Derek King’s staff. pic.twitter.com/Uyl8l4PK8m
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 17, 2021
Cookson is an outside hire from the organization but brings a great deal of familiarity to the staff from his previous coaching work alongside Marc Crawford and his prior experience coaching in Europe from 2012-2016 and most recently from 2019-2021.
Pretty understandable to promote Marc Crawford’s title. Derek King has constantly mentioned how much he relies on him. Crow is in charge of the defense and is often most vocal at each practice.
New #Blackhawks assistant coach Rob Cookson coached Kurashev in Switzerland.
— Joe Brand (@Joe_Brand1) November 17, 2021
Cookson has been an assistant coach in the NHL with the Calgary Flames from 2001-2010 and with the Ottawa Senators from 2016-2019. He has previously worked with Marc Crawford while with the Senators. Cookson also served as a video coach for Team Canada at the 1994 and 1998 Winter Olympics, as well as the 1996, 2002, and 2003 World Championships, and the 2005 World Junior Championships (a team that included Brent Seabrook, Andrew Ladd, Colin Fraser, Jeremy Colliton, Cam Barker, and Jeff Glass).
Kyle Davidson: "Rob's extensive NHL experience will complement our staff immediately. It's his fresh perspective, however, that will really benefit the team as we work on this transition. We look forward to Rob meeting us on this road trip and I know he is eager to get going."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 17, 2021
With the Blackhawks in the midst of a four-game road trip, Cookson will join the staff in Edmonton this weekend. Chicago is in Seattle tonight, taking on the Kraken for the first time in franchise history.