Former Vancouver Giants head coach Dean Evason has been named full-time head coach of the NHL Minnesota Wild.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin made the announcement Monday, July 13.
As part of the announcement, Evason has signed a two-year extension with the organization through the 2021-22 season.
“I am very excited to announce that Dean Evason is our full-time head coach,” said Guerin.
“Dean has done a fantastic job as our interim head coach and deserves this opportunity. I look forward to watching our team under his leadership going forward.”
Evason served as head coach of the Langley-based WHL Giants for two seasons (2002-04).
Evason was named interim head coach of the Wild on Feb. 14, 2020, and led the team to an 8-4-0 record.
He is in his second season with Minnesota after being named an assistant coach on June 6, 2018.
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Evason was also co-coach of the Calgary Hitmen in 2004-05, and head coach of the Kamloops Blazers for three seasons (1999-02).
He joined the Wild after spending six seasons (2012-18) as head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League, leading the team to a record of 242-161-53.
Before that, Evason spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals.
During 13 NHL seasons as a player, Evason totaled 372 points and 1,002 penalty minutes in 803 career games as a center with the Capitals, Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames.
Evason added 29 points in 55 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.
He served as a player/coach for Team Canada during the 1996-97 season, captaining the team to a gold medal at the 1997 World Championship.
Evason retired as a player following two seasons as a player/coach with Landshut in the German League (1997-99).