The Providence Bruins have long opted for a familiar face behind the bench, and this time is no different.
On Monday, the Boston Bruins announced that Trent Whitfield has been named the 14th head coach in Providence Bruins’ franchise history. They also hired assistant coach Ryan Ward, who spent the last four years coaching the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL).
“We are excited to announce Trent Whitfield as head coach of the Providence Bruins,” Don Sweeney said in a press release. “Over the past 10 seasons, Trent has established himself as a highly successful coach, and we are confident that he is ready for this opportunity. His ability to create a winning culture while prioritizing player development will help prepare our players for success at the NHL level.”
Whitfield, 49, has spent the last 10 years as an assistant on the P-Bruins bench, working under the likes of Kevin Dean, Jay Leach, and Ryan Mougenel. He joined the organization in the 2016-17 season after assistant coaching stops with the Portland Pirates and Calgary Hitmen (WHL) during the previous two seasons.
This is Whitfield’s first head coaching opportunity after spending the last 12 years as an assistant.
Whitfield, a native of Alameda, Saskatchewan, played in 194 career NHL games with the Capitals, Rangers, Blues, and Bruins. He also played in 812 AHL games over 15 years. He finished with a total of 596 points (247-349–596).
During his playing days, he was with the Bruins from 2009-13, playing in 17 Bruins’ games and wearing the captain’s ‘C’ in Providence during the 2009-10, 2011-12, and 2012-13 seasons. Whitfield was also a “black ace” during Boston’s run to the 2011 Stanley Cup.
Ward, 39, has spent the last four years coaching the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL). While in Youngstown, Ward led the Phantoms to the first Clark Cup championship in franchise history, and he finished with an all-time record of 156-70-22.
“Adding Ryan Ward to our Providence staff is a significant addition for our organization,” said Sweeney. “Ryan joins Trent’s staff as an accomplished coach with a proven track record of success and a strong commitment to developing players. We are excited to welcome Ryan and his family back to familiar surroundings in Providence.”
A native of Assonet, MA, Ward has NHL experience as a video coach for the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs, while also having AHL experience as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Rampage. Before landing in Youngstown, Ward was the director of player personnel for the Tri-City Storm (2020-22).
The Providence Bruins have undergone plenty of change this summer. Head coach Ryan Mougenel departed for Vancouver, while P-Bruins GM Evan Gold is leaving the organization on August 1. Players also departed, including a former first-round pick and the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, and this is all after an AHL-leading 54-win season.
Ryan Bourque, a native of Topsfield, MA, remains on staff as an assistant coach.
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