Breaking: Canucks legend Ronning signs in China!

Retired Vancouver Canucks legend Cliff Ronning has reportedly signed a contract to become the Developmental Coach for the KHL’s Kunlun Red Star in Beijing, China.

Red Star’s general manager, former NHL coach and GM Mike Keenan, made the announcement yesterday saying, “(Ronning) takes on responsibilities of skill development throughout the organization at various levels. He’s got a great NHL background and experience as a player, also he did a superb job for us last summer in Vancouver where we had evaluation camps.”

What’s even more interesting will be Ronning’s role with the team in helping to acquire more players of Chinese descent into the team’s system.

“Another part of his responsibility will be scouting the Vancouver area,” continued Keenan. “There are thousands of Chinese descendants playing in this area, it’s a very populated Chinese hockey program and he’s got a good handle on the players in that community”.

Wow, good for you, Cliffy! We’re all for getting more kids into the game locally and if it means that they have a potential pro hockey job overseas because of your efforts, then all the better!