ECHL: Greensboro Gargoyles Add Assistant Coach

Background

CJ D’Alimonte started as a video coach for York University in Canada’s USports. He would spend two seasons there before heading to the OHL and joining the Mississauga Steelheads in the same role. During his time in Mississauga, D’Alimonte would coach notable players such as Owen Tippett, Cole Schwindt, Ryan McLeod, and Thomas Harley. After one year with the Steelheads, he joined the Soo Greyhounds, where he would coach a former Gargoyle, Christian Propp.

His time in the OHL earned him a job as the video coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. D’Alimonte did well enough there to earn himself a spot in the NHL as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ assistant video coach. He would spend three seasons in Pittsburgh coaching legends of the game like Sidney Crosby. D’Alimonte would go on to earn an assistant coach position with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. Norfolk had a decent season last year but ultimately missed the postseason.

Coming to Greensboro

So what exactly is Greensboro getting? The Gargoyles have added an assistant coach who is very clearly ambitious. D’Alimonte has continued to climb the coaching ladder since he started in USports, and I would be shocked if he doesn’t keep climbing using the Gargoyles as a stepping stone. At just 30 years old there is a real chance that D’Alimonte will coach players that are older than him during his time in Greensboro. Despite being so young he has coached elite players at every level and will be bringing that wealth of knowledge to Greensboro. I have a feeling that he will become a very valuable asset to the Gargoyles staff in a very short amount of time.

New Head Coach Mitch Giguere was asked about his new assistant coach and had this to say: “CJ brings structure, attention to detail, and professionalism to our coaching staff. Having worked in the NHL, AHL, and now the ECHL, he has gained valuable experience in every aspect of team operations. His ability to connect the details of the day-to-day process with the bigger picture will help us build the culture we want in Greensboro and ensure that everyone is moving in the same direction. CJ was a valuable part of our playoff run with the Nailers. After the Penguins’ season came to an end, he joined us for the playoffs and played an important role in helping our team make a push.”