Wings Announce More Coaching Changes

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Thursday that associate coach Barry Smith and assistant coach Joe Kocur will not return to the team for the 2005-06 season.

One of their replacements will be Paul MacLean, who was an assistant to new Wings head coach Mike Babcock in Anaheim. The other new assistant will be announced on Friday.

MacLean spent 11 years as a player in the NHL, splitting time between Winnipeg, Detroit and St. Louis. He has been a coach in various levels of hockey since 1993.

“Paul brings a great deal of experience as player and coach,” said Babcock. “The success we’ve had in the past and the relationship we have will help us do great things in Detroit. He’s a former Red Wing and will be a great addition to our staff.”