A 12-year veteran of the National Hockey League, Adam Mair has joined the Canisius College hockey staff as Director of Player Development, announced by head coach Dave Smith on Monday.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity that has been provided by Canisius College, Dave Smith and the entire coaching staff where I’ll be able to learn the many aspects involved in coaching and the day-to-day operations of running a program,” Mair said. “I look forward to helping Canisius College and its players achieve their goals and aid in their future success. It is great to be involved and give back to the Buffalo hockey community that has given me so much in my career.”
At Canisius, Mair will work directly with the coaches on practice and game evaluation. In addition, he will assist the staff with individual and team video to ensure quality control as well as scouting of opponents.
“It is great for our program to have a former NHL player with over 850 professional games join our staff,” Smith said. “Adam’s passion for the game and his interest in helping our program reach the next level is evident on a daily basis. He is a tremendous asset to Canisius College hockey.
“Working with Adam will benefit all of the coaches, as well as Adam, and this will make a win-win situation for everybody involved. Our relationship with the Buffalo Sabres continues to grow and it’s great that we can connect with a former Sabre who chooses to reside in the greater Buffalo area.”
Mair spent 12 seasons in the NHL as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs (1998-01), Los Angeles Kings (2001-02), Buffalo Sabres (2002-10) and New Jersey Devils (2010-11). A member of the three teams that advanced to conference finals and the 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres team that won the Presidents’ Trophy, Mair appeared in 650 regular-season and postseason NHL games with 122 points, 41 goals and 81 assists.
During his career, Mair was mentored by four former Jack Adams Award winners in Lindy Ruff, Jacques Lemaire, Bruce Boudreau and Pat Quinn as well as a finalist in Andy Murray.
A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Mair also captained the Canadian World Junior Championship team in 1999, earning MVP honors during the gold-medal game.
