Claude Noel's journey in the world of hockey is marked by a diverse career as both a player and a coach. Born on October 31, 1955, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Noel's early years in hockey began in the junior leagues, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. His playing career took off in the late 1970s when he joined the North American minor leagues.
Noel played as a forward, primarily in the International Hockey League (IHL), where he spent the majority of his playing career. He was known for his time with teams such as the Kalamazoo Wings and the Toledo Goaldiggers. During his tenure in the IHL, Noel demonstrated a consistent performance on the ice, which earned him respect among his peers and coaches. His playing career extended into the early 1980s, after which he transitioned into coaching.
The shift from player to coach marked a new chapter in Noel's hockey career. He began coaching in the IHL, where he took on roles with various teams, including the Dayton Bombers and the Milwaukee Admirals. His coaching style was characterized by a focus on discipline and teamwork, which helped him guide his teams to competitive performances in the league.
In 2003, Noel's coaching career took a significant step forward when he joined the National Hockey League (NHL) as an assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets. His tenure with the Blue Jackets provided him with valuable experience at the highest level of professional hockey. In 2010, he was appointed as the interim head coach of the Blue Jackets, a role he held until the end of the season.
Following his time in Columbus, Noel was named the head coach of the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2010-2011 season. His leadership was instrumental in the team's performance, and he was recognized for his ability to develop young talent and foster a competitive team environment.
In 2011, Noel became the head coach of the newly established Winnipeg Jets, marking the return of the NHL to Winnipeg. As the first head coach of the new Jets franchise, Noel faced the challenge of building a cohesive team from a roster of players who had relocated from Atlanta. His tenure with the Jets lasted until 2014, during which he worked to establish the team's identity and competitiveness in the league.
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