Cowan joins Rapids as assistant coach

Jeff Cowan has been named an assistant coach for the Maritime Hockey League's Grand Falls Rapids.

Cowan officially spent eight seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs coaching staff. The 45-year-old joined the club in 2013-14 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate coach in 2017-18.

Cowan was named Saint John's interim head coach in December 2019 following the firing of Josh Dixon, posting an 18-17 record. Greg Gilbert took over as head coach the following season.

There was never any formal announcement from the Sea Dogs about Cowan's departure. Stefan Legein and Travis Crickard were the team's assistant coaches this past season.

In Grand Falls, Cowan will be working under head coach Greg Leland, who is a former Sea Dogs assistant coach. Leland was named head coach of the Rapids earlier this summer after spending a couple seasons as an assistant with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

"Jeff will bring experience and passion to the coaching staff and the entire Rapids' organization welcomes him to Grand Falls," reads a press release.

Cowan appeared in 434 career NHL games. He also played in 389 AHL games, which included a few seasons with the Saint John Flames.

The Rapids begin the regular season on Friday, hosting the Fredericton Red Wings.