Former WBS Penguin Ryan Craig Named Head Coach of Vegas Golden Knights

Quick answer: Ryan Craig, a former captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, has been named head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. He becomes the third former WBS Penguins player to earn an NHL head coaching job, joining Mike Yeo and Alain Nasreddine.

The hockey world is buzzing with news that Ryan Craig, once the heart and soul of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, has reached the pinnacle of his coaching career. After years of dedication within the Vegas Golden Knights organization, Craig has officially been named the team’s new head coach.

For fans who watched him lead the WBS Penguins on the ice, this milestone feels personal. His rise from team captain to NHL bench boss reflects the kind of talent and character the WBS Penguins have long been known for developing. Here’s a closer look at his journey, his legacy, and what his appointment means for the Golden Knights.

A New Era in Vegas: Ryan Craig Takes the Reins

The Vegas Golden Knights have entered a fresh chapter with Ryan Craig stepping in as head coach. His appointment follows the departure of John Tortorella and comes on the heels of the team’s recent run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Craig isn’t a stranger to the organization. He made the immediate jump from coaching the Henderson Silver Knights — Vegas’s AHL affiliate — to leading the NHL club. That seamless transition speaks to the trust the Golden Knights have placed in him, and to the deep knowledge he’s built within their system.

From WBS Penguin to NHL Head Coach: Craig’s Journey

His Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Legacy

Before he was a coach, Ryan Craig was a leader on the ice. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and served as captain of the WBS Penguins during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

His time with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton left a lasting mark. Craig embodied the work ethic and leadership that define the WBS Penguins, and his connection to the organization remains a point of pride for fans and alumni alike.

A Prolific Coaching Career with Vegas

After retiring as a player in 2017, Craig wasted no time moving into coaching. He joined the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach during their inaugural 2017-18 season — a campaign that famously ended with the expansion team reaching the Stanley Cup Final.

Over the years, Craig grew into a key figure behind the bench. He contributed to the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship, cementing his reputation as a coach who knows how to win at the highest level.

WBS Penguins’ Proud Coaching Tradition

Ryan Craig is now the third former WBS Penguins player to become an NHL head coach. He follows in the footsteps of Mike Yeo and Alain Nasreddine, two other notable alumni who made the leap from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to the NHL’s top coaching ranks.

This tradition says a lot about the WBS Penguins organization. Beyond developing NHL-caliber talent on the ice, the team has proven to be a breeding ground for future leaders and coaches. Craig’s success is yet another reminder of the lasting impact the WBS Penguins have on the game.

What This Means for the Vegas Golden Knights

Expectations are high in Vegas, and Ryan Craig brings exactly the kind of background needed to meet them. His years inside the Golden Knights organization give him a deep understanding of the team’s culture, players, and championship standards.

That familiarity could prove invaluable. Craig knows what it takes to win in Vegas, having been part of the staff that captured the 2023 Stanley Cup. As he steps into the head coaching role, fans have every reason to feel optimistic about the road ahead.

Stay Connected with WBS Penguins

Ryan Craig’s journey from WBS Penguins captain to head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights is a story worth celebrating. It highlights the talent, leadership, and character that the WBS Penguins organization continues to nurture.

Want more stories like this? Follow WBS Penguins to stay up to date with the latest news, game updates, and inspiring alumni success stories. There’s always more to celebrate when you’re part of the Penguins family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ryan Craig’s connection to the WBS Penguins?

Ryan Craig played in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and served as captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

How many former WBS Penguins players have become NHL head coaches?

Ryan Craig is the third former WBS Penguins player to become an NHL head coach. The other two are Mike Yeo and Alain Nasreddine.

Did Ryan Craig win a Stanley Cup with Vegas?

Yes. Ryan Craig was part of the Vegas Golden Knights coaching staff that won the Stanley Cup in 2023.

Why did the Vegas Golden Knights need a new head coach?

Ryan Craig was named head coach following the departure of John Tortorella, taking over a team that recently reached the Stanley Cup Final.