Published: September 12, 2009 12:56 am      

Spence staying with Chiefs as assistant coach

Jason Spence concedes his full-throttle, physical style of play cut short his professional hockey career.

But the popular former Johns­­­­­town Chiefs winger will begin another chapter this season.

The Chiefs named Spence as an assistant coach to newly hired head coach Jeff Flanagan on Friday.

Spence will jump into the coaching ranks with the team on which he both started and concluded his pro playing career.

“I’ve always thought that I’d have something I’d be able to give back,” said Spence, 30, who played seven of his 10 professional seasons with the Chiefs.

“I liked the game. I was a student of the game. I wanted to give something to other people. I thought this would be a way that I would be able to stay in the game and still be able to enjoy it in a different way.”

Spence joined the Chiefs as a fiery 20-year-old rookie in 1999-2000 and helped the team end a four-year playoff drought.

He spent his first four pro seasons in Johnstown and concluded his career playing three of his final four seasons with the Chiefs, including last season.

Spence ranks fourth all-time on the Chiefs’ career penalty minute list at 773. Only Jeff Sullivan (1,105), Rick Boyd (966) and Perry Florio (799) had more penalty minutes in Johns­town.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder wasn’t a gifted skater and he didn’t have a wicked shot.

But Spence’s work ethic, physical play and willingness to use his fists made him popular both in the locker room and the War Memorial Arena stands.

“Jason has given everything he possibly could give the organization as a player, and he’ll do the same in his new capacity,” Chiefs General Manager Bill Bredin said.

In addition to his role as an assistant coach, Spence will serve as the Chiefs’ director of community relations.

Spence and his wife, Marci, reside in Southmont and are active in a number of area activities and charities.

“I’m excited to start my new career,” Spence said.

“After last season, Bill Bredin said, ‘I don’t want to offend you, but what would you think about the possibility of us having you as an assistant coach?’ With the way my health is and the shape my body is in right now, this is the right decision for me.

“I’ve had five surgeries on my knee. I had problems with my shoulder and had that done last year. The way I played for years has taken a toll on me. When the opportunity came up I thought I’d better jump on it.”