Former Boston Bruins Forward Daniel Paille Gets Hired as an Assistant Coach of the OHL Niagara IceDogs

By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter / X @BlackAndGold277

In a move that promises to bolster their coaching staff with a wealth of experience and championship pedigree, earlier this week, the Niagara IceDogs announced the hiring of former Boston Bruins forward and 2011 Stanley Cup champion Daniel Paille as an assistant coach.

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Daniel Paille brings an impressive resume to the Niagara IceDogs. His hockey journey began in his hometown of Welland, Ontario, where he honed his skills before making the jump to the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm and later in the National Hockey League. The Buffalo Sabres drafted Paille in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft with the 20th selection in the first round. The 6′-1″ 200-pound forward appeared in 195 games for the Sabres in five years of service, posting 35-42-77 numbers. Paille was traded from Buffalo to Boston on October 20th, 2009, for a third-round pick in the 2010 entry draft.

Paille is perhaps best known for his tenure with the Boston Bruins, where he played a crucial role in the team’s success as a bottom-six forward. Paille was a member of the Bruins’ Cup-winning team, contributing both on and off the ice with his defensive prowess and work ethic. Paille spent six seasons with Boston, appearing in 375 games and contributing offensively with 50-45-95 numbers.

Daniel’s experience and knowledge of the game make him an invaluable asset. While this may be his first official coaching role at the OHL level, his history of mentoring younger players and his leadership qualities suggest he is well-prepared for this new challenge. After retiring from the game in 2017-18, finishing a two-year stint playing in the Swedish Hockey League overseas, Paille took a little time off to enjoy retirement. He got back in the game quickly when he became a volunteer assistant coach in 2019-20 for two seasons with Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Before the 2021-22 season, Paille was promoted to the team’s coaching staff as a full-time assistant.

The hiring of Daniel Paille is expected to bring significant benefits to the Niagara IceDogs. His firsthand experience in professional hockey, coupled with his understanding of what it takes to win at the highest levels, will be instrumental in guiding and developing young players.

“I would like to thank Darren and Michele for this opportunity to work with the Niagara IceDogs organization,” noted Paille. “I look forward to building a relationship with Head Coach Ben Boudreau, as well as the remaining staff within the organization, the players, and Niagara Community where I am near family and friends,” he added.