Rick Wilson is a former professional ice hockey player and coach. He began his career as a defenseman in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Flin Flon Bombers in the 1970s. He then moved on to play in the International Hockey League (IHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL) before retiring as a player in 1981.
After retiring as a player, Wilson began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the AHL's Springfield Indians. He then moved on to become an assistant coach with the NHL's New York Islanders and the Minnesota North Stars. In 1990, he was named head coach of the North Stars, a position he held for two seasons.
Wilson then moved on to become an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars, where he spent 16 seasons. During his time with the Stars, he helped the team win two Western Conference championships and reach the Stanley Cup Finals twice. He also served as an assistant coach for the United States men's ice hockey team at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
In 2002, Wilson left the Stars to become the head coach of the AHL's Houston Aeros. He led the team to the Calder Cup championship in his first season as head coach. He then moved on to become an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2004.
Wilson then spent time as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues before retiring from coaching in 2019. Throughout his career, he was known for his defensive coaching skills and his ability to develop young players.
In addition to his coaching career, Wilson also served as a scout for the Stars and the Lightning. He was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
Overall, Rick Wilson had a successful career as both a player and a coach in the world of ice hockey. He was known for his dedication to the sport and his ability to help teams succeed.
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