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Ex-NHLer Walker resigns from OHL team, citing ‘incredibly hectic’ post-playing career

Guelph Storm v London Knights

Guelph Storm v London Knights

Getty Images

Longtime NHLer Scott Walker has stepped down as head coach of the OHL’s Guelph Storm, the club announced on Tuesday.

“I want to spend more time with my family as life has been incredibly hectic since I retired as an NHL player several years ago,” Walker said in a statement. “The team is in good hands with Bill and Todd [Stewart and Harvey, Walker’s assistants] doing the coaching, and I am very confident that under their direction we can have an exceptionally successful season.”

Walker, 41, retired from the NHL in 2010 following a 15-year career that saw him play over 800 games for the Canucks, Predators, Hurricanes and Capitals. A three-time 20-goal scorer, he immediately transitioned into the coaching game by taking the reins in Guelph the same year he retired.

In just four years on the job, Walker became one of the most successful coaches at the junior level. He led the Storm to an OHL title last year and a second-place finish at the Memorial Cup; this year, he was part of the coaching staff that led Canada to gold at the World Junior Championship.

The last year was been tumultuous, however. Walker’s father, Bob, passed away during the Storm’s season and Walker also missed time while dealing with the mumps.