Former Leafs enforcer Colton Orr accepts coaching job

Former Boston Bruins, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs tough guy Colton Orr is back in the game, having accepted a coaching position with the Connecticut Whale of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL).

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Whale general manager Bray Ketchum made the announcement yesterday saying, “I’m really proud to announce this dynamic duo of coaches for the CT Whale. I was blown away by Colton’s commitment to women’s hockey and the NWHL as we discussed the head coaching role throughout the summer. He has a specific vision for the Whale and incredible enthusiasm, and I know he will help take our team to the next level. Laura has immense passion for the game, is an outstanding teacher, and is very highly-regarded in our organization and around the league. She is an NWHL veteran who’s going to be a strong asset for our team.”

Orr, of course, is a veteran of 477 NHL games split between the Bruins, Rangers and Leafs and put up 1186 penalty minutes over the course of his 11 year career. Brennan, who will serve as Orr’s assistant and the interim head coach while Orr finishes production of the CBC reality series “Battle of the Blades” in Canada, played collegiately at Quinnipiac and Minnesota State, and has been a goaltender and coach with the Whale for the last two seasons.

“I’m honored to have the privilege of leading the Connecticut Whale,” said Orr. “This game means a lot to me, and these fantastic athletes on the Whale and across the NWHL are role models to the next generation – including my daughter, who is in the Learn to Play program. I’m determined to take all of the hockey knowledge and life lessons learned from great NHL people like (former Rangers coach) Tom Renney and apply them to the Whale. I’m grateful to Laura Brennan for running the show while I’m away, and I can’t wait to get back to Connecticut to work with her and the players and give the Whale fans a team they can believe in.”