The USPHL’s Provo Riverblades have announced a change at the head coach position, naming former NHL defenseman Jaroslav Modry as the team’s new bench boss.

Modry comes to the Riverblades after being an assistant coach for the AHL’s Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League the past three seasons.

“I have visited Provo and I have seen the team play and I think they have more potential than what they have shown,” Modry said. “They have a great arena and training facilities and a lot of positive pieces in place to make this organization a success. I am excited to begin working with the players and start winning some hockey games.”

“The ownership group of the Riverblades is thrilled to have Jaroslav join our team,” said team management. “Our club has not had the success we expected and we felt it was imperative we bring in a head coach with a lot of experience. His resume speaks for itself. and we are confident Jaroslav can turn things around and lead the team in the right direction.”

Prior to the Reign, Modry also spent time coaching NCAA Division I college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and in the Los Angeles Jr. Kings youth program at the 16U AAA and 18U AAA levels.

Modry was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the ninth round (179th overall) of the 1990 NHL Draft and spent 13 years patrolling NHL bluelines as a defenseman having played 725 games with the Devils, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Philadelphia Flyers.

Modry will officially begin taking over the team Dec. 28. An interim head coach has been appointed for the remaining two games until the Christmas break.

Assistant coach Chandler Cattelain will continue in his position alongside Modry.

Photo/Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images

(Dec. 18, 2020)