From assistant coach to new GM, McGinnis is ready for a challenge
Last offseason, Ryan McGinnis joined the Norfolk Admirals as an assistant coach. Now, he’s the new general manager.
Though his ascent has been quick, McGinnis, 33, has been preparing for this opportunity during a lifetime of playing and coaching hockey.
When he first came to the Admirals more than a year ago as an assistant coach, McGinnis quickly found himself taking on duties traditionally given to a general manager. Over the course of the season, his daily work within the organization also served as a sort of audition for his new role.
“(Admirals CEO Patrick Cavanagh) got to see me almost every day and see me work,” McGinnis said. “Every day, you’re auditioning for your next job, whether it’s in front of you or not, you’re always indirectly interviewing, so I think that was Patrick’s approach.”
McGinnis, whowill continue his assistant coaching duties this season, believes his playing and coaching background gives him a strong foundation for success.
“As a hockey guy … it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, have responsibilities and construct a team and create a culture,” he said. “How I’ll balance it is something that there is no manual for, that’s for sure. Things change daily. There will be challenges.
“It’s always something that I’ve prepared for, even four and five years ago. You don’t want to be an assistant coach forever … so it was preparing from day one for me, knowing that I can provide a little bit more than just the typical assistant coach. Fortunately for me, Patrick has afforded me key opportunities to do so.”
As a 2005 sixth-round NHL draft pick, McGinnis played professionally for five years in the American Hockey League and ECHL, including 17 games for the then-AHL’s Norfolk Admirals. Back then, he lived for two months out of a hotel near downtown Norfolk. Now, he’s putting down stronger roots.
“When I was playing, I didn’t think about coaching or what’s the next step,” he said. “When my playing career was done, I was still involved in hockey, I helped out in youth hockey and I opened up my own business, which was a hockey development company. … I always just kind of gravitated to things that were a natural fit for me, and one thing led to another. I got into the pro ranks as a coach, and here I am today.”