Dorsett joins Blue Jackets

By KELLEN TANIGUCHI on June 23, 2021.

ktaniguchi@medicinehatnews.com@@kellentaniguchi

Derek Dorsett joined the Medicine Hat Tigers’ bench as an assistant coach in early April for his first stab at coaching a high level of hockey. Now, Dorsett joins the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets as a developmental coach for the 2021-22 season.

Dorsett also played three seasons with the Tabbies from 2004-07 and Tigers head coach Willie Desjardins says Dorsett brought a lot to the table during his short stint as a coach with the club.

“It was great to have him here. He was an outstanding player when he played and he has an incredible story, one where he just wouldn’t give up and he knew where he wanted to go and he found a way to get there,” said Desjardins. “It’s a story for every player where you can see yourself in that picture and strive to do the same thing … he did a great job coaching and he was a real good fit.”

Desjardins notes that Dorsett always found a way to be successful on the ice as a player and he has no doubt he’ll do the same as a developmental coach for Columbus.

“He’s smart, he understands the game, he has lots of knowledge for young players who are trying to move up into an NHL role and he’s been a leader at every level,” said Desjardins. “He’s a guy that will find his way and it certainly doesn’t surprise me that they hired him.”

Dorsett got to work right away and played a role in getting former Tigers defenceman Cole Clayton to sign with the Blue Jackets’ affiliate team, the Cleveland Monsters. Clayton says having familiarity with Dorsett on the team made his decision a lot easier on where to sign.

“When they offered me, I phoned him and kind of asked him what his thoughts were and it is definitely good to be able to bounce ideas off him and I know I’ll have his help and have him in my corner always, so that’s definitely huge,” said Clayton.

Desjardins says Clayton took advantage of his opportunities this season to earn a contract, and he and the rest of the Tigers organization will be cheering on Clayton and Dorsett as they take that next step in their careers.

“Derek certainly brought a lot of passion to the game when he played, and he brought a lot of passion when he came back to coach with us,” said Desjardins.

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