Gilman named Grizzlies' general manager

The Utah Grizzlies' parent team, the Phoenix Coyotes, has named Laurence Gilman general manager of the American Hockey League team located in West Valley City. Gilman continues to be Coyotes' assistant general manager for a fourth season.

The move likely means the Grizzlies are a step closer to having a coaching staff. Gilman told the Arizona Republic he hopes to name coaches "by next week."

Grizzly co-owner David Elmore has been campaigning for former Grizzly captain Gord Dineen to get the job. Dineen was an assistant coach last season for the Coyotes' AHL affiliation in Springfield, Mass.

Gilman, who was in Salt Lake City for the Grizzlies-Coyotes partnership announcement in April, will oversee hockey operations of the Grizzlies and continue as a member of the AHL competition and legal affairs committees.

At 39, Gilman has been with the Coyotes 11 years. He had many of the same responsibilities last season with Springfield, but he did not have the GM title.

"I appreciate this opportunity and the many challenges it affords me," said Gilman in a news release. "The Grizzlies have great ownership, a world class facility and tremendous fan support. We are excited about this partnership and are committed to delivering a competitive and exciting team."

Gilman told the Arizona Republic, "Utah is an extension of our operation," said Gilman, who will continue to be based in West Valley. "This move is a continuity issue that Mike (Barnett) felt very strongly about."

Coyotes' general manager Michael Barnett said in the release, "With the change in our affiliation from Springfield to Salt Lake City, we are now able to create this organizational model that is common within many NHL teams. Laurence's long tenure with the Coyotes organization makes him very capable and deserving of assuming these responsibilities. The proximity of Salt Lake City to Phoenix will afford Laurence and all of our management team much greater opportunity to monitor and evaluate our prospects without detracting from our Coyotes duties."

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