A New Chapter for the Golden Knights
Ryan Craig, the freshly appointed head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, steps into the role after nine years as an assistant and three as an AHL bench boss, bringing a depth of experience that mirrors the franchise’s own evolution.
At the heart of Craig’s vision is a partnership with general manager Kelly McCrimmon, a relationship that has been cultivated over nearly a decade and now guides the team’s strategic direction.
Craig’s leadership style emphasizes open communication, empowering his coaching staff — including veterans such as Sean Burke, John Stevens and Dom Ducharme — to operate with autonomy while maintaining a unified voice with players and management.
Central to his approach is the preservation of the Golden Knights’ defensive identity, a cornerstone of the club’s success, coupled with a careful management of player workloads to sustain performance through the grueling playoff stretch.
The upcoming training camp, set to open on September 16, will be preceded by a series of phone calls and in‑person meetings designed to deepen bonds with a roster that features stalwarts like Mark Stone and a coaching crew steeped in championship pedigree.
Craig’s philosophy, rooted in hard work, leading by example, and surrounding himself with like‑minded individuals, reflects a commitment to legacy and the pursuit of another Stanley Cup.