SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Tampa Bay Lightning have hired Ken Klee as a Syracuse Crunch assistant coach, general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.
Klee, 46, comes to the organization after spending two seasons as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Under his guidance, the U.S. women won two consecutive world championships in 2015 and 2016.
“We are very excited to add Ken to our coaching staff,” BriseBois said. “His vast experience as a long-time National Hockey League defenseman, his recent experience as a head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and his strong leadership skills will make him an important contributor to the success of our Syracuse Crunch team.”
Klee joins the Crunch with 14 years of experience as an NHL defenseman. Over his 934 games with Phoenix, Anaheim, Atlanta, Colorado, New Jersey, Toronto and Washington from 1994 to 2009, he accumulated 195 points (55g, 140a). The Indianapolis, Indiana native also skated in 191 career AHL games with the Portland Pirates and Baltimore Skipjacks from 1992 to 1995 earning 41 points (11g, 30a). Klee claimed the Calder Cup with the Pirates during the 1993-94 season.
Prior to his professional career, Klee played in 88 games over three seasons at Bowling Green State University. He was selected in the ninth round, 177th overall, by the Washington Capitals in the 1990 NHL Draft.
