Home News Capitals hire Spencer Carbery as next head coach after two seasons as Maple Leafs assistant

Capitals hire Spencer Carbery as next head coach after two seasons as Maple Leafs assistant

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Spencer Carbery has been appointed as the new head coach of the Washington Capitals, as announced by the team on Tuesday. Carbery previously served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2022-23 season, after progressing through the ranks in the Capitals organization.

In a statement, Carbery expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Capitals, saying, “It’s a tremendous honor and privilege to be named the head coach of the Washington Capitals. I would like to thank the Capitals organization for affording me the opportunity to lead this team. I look forward to working with this group of talented players and building upon the winning culture in place.”

The Capitals made the decision to part ways with their former head coach, Peter Laviolette, following the 2022-23 season. This marked the team’s first absence from the postseason since 2014. While Laviolette’s contract with Washington expired, he has been interviewed for multiple head coaching positions across the NHL in the current offseason.

Carbery, 41, has established a notable coaching career within the Capitals farm system. He served as the head coach of the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, for three seasons and successfully led them from last place to the Calder Cup Playoffs. In the 2020-21 season, Carbery was recognized as the AHL Coach of the Year after guiding the Bears to a first-place finish.

Beyond his accomplishments in the AHL, Carbery also earned the title of ECHL Coach of the Year in 2014 during his tenure with the South Carolina Stingrays. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Carbery’s teams finished below a .500 record in only one season.

After the 2021-22 season, the Capitals expressed their interest in retaining Carbery within the organization. However, he opted to accept the position of assistant coach with the Maple Leafs. During his time in Toronto, Carbery oversaw the power-play unit, which proved successful as the Maple Leafs converted 26% of their power-play opportunities, ranking second in the NHL behind the Edmonton Oilers.

Now, Carbery will have the opportunity to coach star forward Alex Ovechkin in the final years of his career in Washington. Despite facing numerous injuries during the previous season, the Capitals are expected to remain competitive in the Metropolitan Division for the 2023-24 season.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about head coach hiring

Who is Spencer Carbery?

Spencer Carbery is a hockey coach who has been hired as the head coach of the Washington Capitals. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What are Spencer Carbery’s coaching achievements?

Carbery has had notable coaching achievements in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He led the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, to the Calder Cup Playoffs and was named the AHL Coach of the Year in the 2020-21 season. He also won the ECHL Coach of the Year award in 2014.

Why did the Washington Capitals hire Spencer Carbery?

The Capitals hired Carbery as their head coach after parting ways with Peter Laviolette. They were impressed with Carbery’s coaching success in the AHL and his work as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs, particularly in improving the team’s power-play performance.

What is expected of Spencer Carbery as the Capitals’ head coach?

As the head coach of the Capitals, Carbery is expected to work with the talented players on the team and build upon the winning culture already in place. The Capitals are aiming to bounce back from missing the playoffs and be competitive in the Metropolitan Division.

What impact does this hiring have on star player Alex Ovechkin?

The hiring of Spencer Carbery as head coach means that Alex Ovechkin will have the opportunity to be coached by him in the final years of his career. It remains to be seen how Carbery’s coaching style and strategies will complement Ovechkin’s playing style and contribute to the team’s success.

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4 comments

HockeyFan99 June 6, 2023 - 12:54 am

Wow, the Capitals hire Spencer Carbery as their new head coach! He was an assistant for the Maple Leafs, so he knows his stuff. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the team. #GoCaps

Reply
SportsLover23 June 6, 2023 - 12:54 am

Finally, the Capitals got a new head coach. Carbery seems to have a solid track record in the AHL and did well with the Leafs’ power-play. Hope he can help Ovechkin and the team bounce back next season!

Reply
GoalieGuy June 6, 2023 - 12:54 am

Laviolette’s gone, Carbery’s in! Let’s see if this shake-up can get the Caps back in the playoffs. Ovi’s got a few years left, so they better make the most of it. Good luck, Carbery!

Reply
PuckJunkie87 June 6, 2023 - 12:54 am

Carbery’s coaching success in the AHL and ECHL is impressive. The Caps made a smart move by bringing him on board. Hopefully, he can turn the team around and bring home a Stanley Cup. #CapsNation

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