Warren Rychel
Hockey player, coach, general manager, and entrepreneur.
Born May 12, 1967, Warren Rychel is well known for his success as a hockey player, record setting coach, general manager, and entrepreneur. Mr Rychel is a famous Windsorite who has given much to our city. Born in London, Warren moved to Strathroy before moving to Tecumseh and developing as a player with the Shoreline Minor Hockey Association. Mr. Rychel is now a pillar of the community, and since coming on as part owner has been key to the recent success of the Windsor Spitfires.
Mr. Rychel had a successful junior hockey career, playing for the Sudbury Wolves, Guelph Platers, Ottawa 67s, and Kitchener Rangers. He played a tough, fearless, grinding style of game that wore down his opponents and supported his teammates. Though never drafted, Rychel’s strong work ethic and strong team play led to him being signed as a free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Rychel was tough and very good at what he did. It would seem that winning has followed him for much of his career. Before reaching the NHL, Rychel was already a Turner Cup champion with the Indianapolis in 1989-90. He went on to have a successful career with the Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, and finally the Anaheim Ducks before returning briefly to Colorado and retiring. It was with the Avalanche that he had his greatest success, as he was part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 1995-96.
When his playing days ended, Mr. Rychel continued on in hockey and has been a key member of the team that brought the greatest success the Windsor Spitfires have ever seen. In 2006, Rychel became part owner and general manager of the Windsor Spitfires. His management and people skills allowed him to contribute to the team’s back to back memorial cup championships in 2009 and 2010, which along the way saw him assemble some of the greatest minor hockey teams in the history of the sport.
He earned CHL and OHL Coach of the Year honours in both 2007-08 and 2008-09, becoming the first person in history to win a 2 Memorial Cups and 2 CHL Coach of the Year awards.
Mr. Rychel is currently gearing up for another run at the Memorial Cup (this time as a host.) He has been a key figure for the success of the Spitfires, and has also raised his family here. Among his three children is Kirby Rychel, a first round draft pick and current prospect for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Career Higlights:
Games Played: 406
Goals: 38
Assists: 39
Points: 77
Penatly Minutes: 1422
Sources:
Warren Rychel – Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame
Windsor Spitfires – Front Office Staff