Image: Chilliwack Chiefs / The Chilliwack Chiefs say they have hired BCHL alumni and former professional goaltender Joel Rumpel as their assistant coach.

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Chilliwack Chiefs

Chilliwack Chiefs hire former pro goaltender as an assistant coach

Jul 23, 2024 | 11:07 AM

CHILLIWACK — A former goaltender with hockey stints in the ECHL, EIHL and AHL spanning six seasons has joined the Chilliwack Chiefs coaching staff.

The Chilliwack Chiefs say they have hired BCHL alumni and former professional goaltender Joel Rumpel as their assistant coach.

Rumpel enjoyed a successful junior career before heading to the University of Wisconsin. After his collegiate career, Joel launched his professional hockey playing career with stops in the ECHL, EIHL, and AHL throughout six seasons. For the past two seasons, Joel has been the assistant coach for the Norfolk Admirals of the East Coast Hockey League.

“He will be working with the Chiefs defence for the upcoming season, carrying on the excellent work started by the recently departed Andrew Shaw (Abbotsford Canucks video coach) who spent a lot of time focusing on details and individual progression with the defence he was working with last season,” the Chiefs said.

Chiefs GM and head coach Brian Maloney says Rumpel will be a terrific resource for the team’s goaltenders based on his pro experience.

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“We are really happy to add Joel to our staff,” Maloney said. “He knows the league, understands the importance of being a student-athlete, and has a significant hockey background in the professional ranks. He will be a great asset for our players and also our goaltenders, as someone who has been in their shoes and had a lot of success throughout that process.

The Chiefs new assistant is expected to arrive in Chilliwack in August.

“I am thrilled to return to the BCHL, a league that was instrumental in my journey to professional hockey,” Rumpel said. “The opportunity to work with and learn from Brian Maloney was a significant factor in the decision to further my coaching career in Chilliwack. The Chiefs emphasis on developing well-rounded athletes aligns seamlessly with my own path from juniors to the NCAA. I am eager to bring my experience, passion, and dedication to the program and community.”