Biography
Mike Stothers, born on February 22, 1962, in the small town of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, is a former professional ice hockey player and current coach. Selected 106th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Stothers played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers. His playing career spanned from 1981 to 1986, during which he appeared in over 100 NHL games.
Following his playing career, Stothers transitioned into coaching, where he made significant contributions to the development of young players. He has served as head coach in various junior leagues and minor professional teams, notably leading the Manchester Monarchs in the American Hockey League (AHL) to a Calder Cup championship in 2015. His coaching tenure has been marked by a focus on instilling discipline and promoting a strong work ethic among his players.
Stothers is recognized for his ability to blend player development with competitive success, earning respect within the hockey community for his leadership skills. His legacy is reflected not only in his contributions as a player but also as a coach who has successfully fostered the growth of numerous athletes within the sport. His impact on ice hockey continues to resonate, further solidifying his place in the history of the game.