Harry Lichtman
The Washington Capitals announced Patrick Wellar as a new assistant coach on Wednesday. Wellar will work exclusively with the Capitals’ defensemen.
“Thrilled for him and his family,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. “He’s worked extremely hard for this opportunity. I’ve seen it firsthand and witnessed everything that he’s put in, sacrificed through the minor leagues through the American Hockey League in Hershey. He’s earned every bit of the opportunity to be a National Hockey League assistant coach.”
Wellar, 41, replaces former assistant coach Mitch Love, who was relieved of his duties after the NHL investigated him over domestic abuse allegations.
Wellar previously spent seven seasons an assistant coach with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, Hershey Bears. He was very successful with Hershey both as a player and coach. Wellar was part of the Bears’ 2010 Calder Cup championship team, as well as the 2023 and 2024 squads as a coach.
As a player, Wellar played alongside current Capitals defenseman John Carlson in Hershey. Then, he got to coach fellow Capitals blueliners Martin Fehervary and Dylan McIlrath.
Wellar was originally selected by the Capitals in the third round (77th overall) in the 2002 NHL Draft. He played 747 professional games over 12 seasons in the AHL and ECHL, including six with Hershey from 2008-14.
Meanwhile, the Bears hired Brett Thompson as their new assistant coach. Thompson, 54, played three seasons with Hershey from 2000-03, and was the team’s captain in 2002-03.
