Tom Watt is a former professional ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the sport. He began his career as a player in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the 1960s, playing for the Toronto Marlboros. He then went on to play for several teams in the minor leagues, including the Tulsa Oilers and the Greensboro Generals.
After retiring as a player, Watt began his coaching career in the OHL, where he led the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to a Memorial Cup championship in 1985. He then moved on to coach in the National Hockey League (NHL), serving as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Philadelphia Flyers.
In 1990, Watt was named head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, becoming the first Canadian-born coach in the NHL in over a decade. He led the Jets to the playoffs in his first season as head coach, but was fired midway through his second season after a slow start.
After leaving the NHL, Watt continued to coach in various leagues, including the International Hockey League (IHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). He also worked as a television analyst for TSN and CBC, providing commentary on NHL games.
Throughout his career, Watt was known for his innovative coaching strategies and his ability to develop young players. He was also a strong advocate for player safety and was instrumental in the development of the NHL's concussion protocol.
In addition to his coaching and broadcasting work, Watt has also written several books on hockey, including "The Hockey Coach's Manual" and "Hockey Handbook: The Essential Guide for Players and Coaches."
Overall, Tom Watt had a successful career in hockey as both a player and coach. He was known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to developing young talent, and his contributions to the game have had a lasting impact on the sport.
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