South Dakota’s Rapid City Rush, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced Thursday the hiring of Peter Drikos from the Ontario Junior Hockey League as the team’s assistant coach.
Drikos, 37, from Mississauga, was the general manager and head coach of the OJHL’s Cobourg Cougars last season.
The Cougars named Adam Holzmann as their new general manager and Connor Armour head coach yesterday.
“I’m excited and honored to be joining the Rapid City Rush. I want to thank Scott Burt, Jared Reid, Todd Mackin and Spire Sports + Entertainment for the opportunity,” said Drikos.
In 2006 as a player, Drikos helped lead the St. Michael’s Buzzers to their second consecutive OJHL championship. Drikos also played for Stouffville, Georgetown, Streetsville and Ajax in the OJHL.
He played one season of U SPORTS hockey with what’s now Metropolitan University in Toronto. Drikos then played five seasons of pro and senior hockey.
“Peter has experience in multiple leagues and levels that will help our team develop. We’re excited to get Head Coach Scott Burt a top-caliber coach downstairs and Peter fits that bill for us,” said Rush President Jared Reid.
Drikos, who began coaching in 2015, worked with the Milton Menace, Orangeville and Toronto Patriots in the OJHL and the GOJHL’s Brampton Bombers before moving to Cobourg.
“Drikos has worked with younger players wanting to improve and become the best players they can be, and that excites myself and our group,” said Scott Burt.
With Drikos set in place, the Rush have fully rounded out their 2023-24 hockey operations staff in advance of training camp in October.
“I can’t wait to get into town,” said Drikos, “I’m excited to get started with the Rush and become part of the Rapid City community.”
OJHL Images photos by Tim Bates
