California Rubber

California’s and Nevada’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey

Former Stanley Cup champion Kohn named head coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School

 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School has announced the hiring of Ladislav Kohn as the head coach of the hockey program.

Kohn, a former NHL player, has been an assistant hockey coach at SMCHS for the past two years. He has been involved in California youth hockey for the past seven years coaching Tier hockey for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and serving as an assistant coach at SMCHS since August of 2018.

The Czech native said he focuses on player development, technical skill and speed to help grow hockey in California.

“I am humbled and honored to be named as the new head coach for the SM Eagles,” Kohn said. “I’m looking forward to coaching this talented group of players and being a mentor to them on and off the ice. With the help of the SM staff and coaches, we can continue our great success as champions.”

Craig Johnson, former Eagles head coach, will remain a member of the coaching staff as the program consultant for the 2020-21 season.

“I am thrilled to hear that Laddy will be the next head coach of the ice hockey program,” Johnson said. “Laddy is a great person and coach who will continue to grow the program and be a great leader for all current and future players.”

Kohn played for eight NHL teams in his 20 seasons as a professional hockey player including the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. During his career, he was coached by some of the great leaders in hockey, including Scotty Bowman and Mike Babcock. Kohn played for the 2002 Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup champions and 2011 HC Ocelari Trinec Extraliga champions.

As a coach, he helped lead Santa Margarita High School to the national championship in 2019. His international experience includes playing for the Czech Republic in many major international competitions, including the IIHF European U18 Championship, the 1995 World Junior Championships, and the World Championships in 2008. He is the highest-scoring Czech-born player in AHL history, and he was the top scorer in several international leagues, including Finland, KHL and Czech.

“Kohn has the experience, leadership and vision to continue to grow the ice hockey program,” said SMCHS vice president Sammer Darwazeh. “He is dedicated to ensuring all student-athletes are pushed to meet their potential on and off the ice. I know he will work hard to build upon the foundation cemented over the past decade and will continue to grow the ice hockey program at SMCHS.”

Established in 2009, Eagles hockey complements Santa Margarita’s college-preparatory academics by developing players’ skills and confidence for success in sports and life. The Eagles’ varsity Division 1 and Division 3 teams compete in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League and California Amateur Hockey Association and North American Elite Invitational tournaments and showcases. The program has won three USA Hockey national championships, four California state championships and three ADHSHL Division 1 championships. The program is California’s first and only USA Hockey national varsity champion.

The Eagles call the new $110 million Great Park Ice and FivePoint Area in Irvine their home. Ice hockey activities, practices, exclusive locker room access, and the strength and conditioning program are held in the premier facility.

(Nov. 19, 2020)

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