Steve Konowalchuk

Steve Konowalchuk was hired as the fourth head coach in Springfield Thunderbirds history on May 20, 2024.

Konowalchuk, 51, spent the 2023-24 season as an associate coach with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, where he helped lead the team to a 40-25-7 regular-season record and a 5th-place finish in the Western Conference.  The Salt Lake City, Utah, native’s coaching career began in Colorado, where he served two seasons as an assistant coach for the Avalanche. Then, in 2011, he was named head coach of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds and spent six seasons behind their bench. During his tenure, he guided the Thunderbirds to five postseason appearances, including in 2017, when they captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup (WHL championship). Following his time in Seattle, Konowalchuk served one season as an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks before spending two seasons as head coach of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. 

As a player, Konowalchuk was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1991 and enjoyed a 14-year NHL career. He played 790 career NHL regular-season games, including 693 with the Capitals. He also represented the United States in several international competitions, including the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, where he captured a gold medal.