The Traverse City Record-Eagle’s Lance-Michael Correia spoke with Red Wings assistant coach Adam Nightengale regarding his status as moving from the Red Wings’ video room to the bench:
“I’ve been very lucky to be around some great people, going all the way back to my playing days,” said Nightingale, whose promotion was announced in May. “I never got into this thinking I was going to be an NHL coach some day. That was never really a goal of mine. I was just lucky to be with people that I could learn from, both as coaches and as people.”
Nightingale left Cheboygan as a junior in high school to play for the Soo Indians, where he honed his skills against top Jr. A competition. After college, Nightingale played professionally in the East Coast Hockey League, spending four seasons with Greenville and Charlotte. He joined the Michigan State hockey staff in 2010, serving as Director of Hockey Operations. Nightingale then returned to Shattuck St. Mary’s as head coach of the bantam team, winning a national title in 2016.
After his stint with the Sabres, Nightingale coordinated video for Team USA at the 2017 IIHF World Championships under Blashill. The head coach immediately recognized Nightingale’s keen eye and analysis.
“He has a very, very bright hockey mind and a bright ‘people’ mind as well,” Blashill said. “That much was evident right away. Now, we want to continue his impact on our staff and team by bringing him into a role that’s up the ladder a bit.”
