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Jets grab ex-Springfield coach

JANESVILLE — The Janesville Jets have hired Joe Dibble as head coach.

Dibble was formerly the head coach of the Springfield (Ill.) Jr. Blues, the Jets’ intra-divisional rival in the North American Hockey League’s Midwest Division. Dibble replaces Dane Litke, who resigned on May 2.

“The Jets were looking to find a coach that had a successful track record in junior hockey, as well as a proven ability to move players to the next level. Coach Dibble meets those requirements,” Jets President Bill McCoshen said.

“There was tremendous interest in our head coaching vacancy. Jets’ co-owner and NHL all-star Joe Pavelski and I interviewed several highly qualified candidates for the position, but we felt coach Dibble was the best fit for us.”

In his three seasons with the Jr. Blues, Dibble worked his way up from assistant coach to associate head coach to head coach, and he simultaneously served as director of player personnel. Dibble helped move 11 players into Division I college hockey programs.

“I am very excited about joining the Janesville Jets hockey club,” Dibble said. “The Jets have established themselves as a quality organization that is committed to winning and moving players to the next level. I look forward to working with the coaching staff and scouting staff as we prepare for the upcoming NAHL draft, along with the Jets’ main tryout camp July 11-15.”

Besides serving as head coach and focusing on player recruitment, Dibble will stay active throughout Rock County, appearing at community events.

Dibble was let go by Springfield after the team was sold to a group of California investors. The sale included the provision that the franchise remain in Springfield for at least three seasons.