Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde releases a statement

In case you've not heard the news, the Grand Rapids Griffins named former Toledo Walleye bench boss Dan Watson as the 12th head coach in team history.

Their coaching position was vacated after the team informed Ben Simon that he would not be back next season.

Watson already has a connection with current Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, who worked for two years with the Walleye prior to his NHL coaching career. Lalonde would issue the following statement not long after the news broke of Watson's hiring by the Griffins: 

"I had the pleasure of working with Dan for two seasons in Toledo," Lalonde said. "He's an incredibly hard worker who gets results. His personality and ability to connect with his players helps build a tremendous team culture. I'm really looking forward to working closely with him again. Congratulations, Watty!" 

Best of luck to Coach Watson and the Griffins next season!