Reddick and Derrick Henderson, an assistant coach with Columbus of the United States Premier Hockey League who attended Colorado Avalanche development camp July 1-3, participated through the coaches’ association’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Coaches Program. Another dozen NHL teams had women attend development camp through the NHLCA’s Female Coaches Program.
“These placements provide coaches with hands-on experience inside NHL organizations, which is an opportunity that’s critical to their development,” NHLCA executive director Lindsay Pennal said of the program, which began in 2020. “Just as important, the placement expands their network by connecting them with NHL and AHL coaching and front office staffs.
“We’re grateful to the Jets and Avalanche for creating these opportunities and opening their doors, and to the dozen other NHL clubs that continue to support the NHLCA Guest Coach Program year after year.”
Reddick said his experience at Jets development camp will be invaluable in his transition from a player to a coach. He played 12 seasons as a professional, in North American minor leagues and in Europe before he finished with Glasgow of the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League in 2023-24.
The former Michigan Tech defenseman became an assistant coach for Wisconsin of the North American Hockey League last season and was recently hired as an assistant for Green Bay of the United States Hockey League for this season.
Reddick wasn’t on the ice with Jets prospects during development camp. Instead, he spent most of his time shadowing and speaking with coaches from the NHL team and its American Hockey League affiliate, Manitoba. He said he peppered Jets director of player development Jimmy Roy and Mike Keane, who focuses on player development and evaluation for Manitoba, with questions.