CHRIS CICHOCKI NAMED PENGUINS INTERIM ASSISTANT COACH

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Chris Cichocki (chih-CHOCK-ey) has been named interim assistant coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced on Monday.

Cichocki, 45, spent three-plus seasons as head coach of the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL, compiled a 93-121-33 record in 267 games behind the bench, and guided the Thunder to back-to-back Kelly Cup Playoff appearances in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

In all, Cichocki has eight-plus years of head coaching experience at the ECHL level, and has compiled a record of 220-243-72 (W-L-OTL/SOL/T) with Stockton, the Cincinnati Cyclones and the Arkansas RiverBlades.

A right wing during his playing days, Cichocki spent parts of four seasons in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils, compiling 23 points (11+12) and 27 penalty minutes in 68 career NHL contests.

Cichocki spent parts of eight seasons in the AHL, suiting up for the Adirondack Red Wings, Maine Mariners, Utica Devils, Binghamton Rangers and Binghamton Whalers, recording 421 points (205+216) in 490 games.  He topped the 30-goal mark three times during his AHL career (31 in 1986-87 with Adirondack; 36 in 1987-88 with Utica; 35 in 1990-91 with Binghamton).

Cichocki finished his playing career with Cincinnati in the International Hockey League, recording 120 points (54+66) in 242 games over parts of five seasons.

The native of Detroit, MI, played three seasons at Michigan Tech, twice leading the team in scoring 25+20=45 in 1983-84; 30+24=54 in 1984-85).