Detroit — Derek Lalonde was officially introduced Friday as the 28th head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
Lalonde was introduced by Wings owner and governor Chris Ilitch, and general manager Steve Yzerman, culminating a two-month search for a head coach.
"It's a huge responsibility and I'm very excited about the challenge going forward," Lalonde said.
One of the immediate priorities, said Lalonde, is to reach out and contact players to establish relationships.
Lalonde has been an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and was originally hired as an assistant coach when Yzerman was the general manager in Tampa.