Jakob Pelletier is getting a new coach

The rash of coaching changes throughout the hockey world has hit the Calgary Flames’ top prospect. The Moncton Wildcats, home of 2019 first round pick Jakob Pelletier, have made a coaching change after relieving John Torchetti of his duties.

Torchetti left the team around Dec. 4 – the team released a statement explaining his absence – and was finally released from his coaching position on Dec. 14 for “internal reasons.” Assistant coach Darryl Boyce, a former NHLer who’s just 35 years old, will serve as interim coach as a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.

Torchetti had been with the Wildcats since midway through the 2018-19, when he replaced Darren Rumble. He had previously coached in the NHL (interim coach with Los Angeles and Minnesota; assistant coach with Tampa Bay, Florida, Chicago, Atlanta and Detroit), the AHL (San Antonio, Houston and Iowa), as well as the IHL and the KHL.

Moncton is currently third overall in the QMJHL standings and has frequently been listed in the league’s top 10 rankings. Given the team’s strong performance, it’s not likely that the coaching switch is for on-ice reasons.