Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell today announced the team has hired John Becanic as an assistant coach. The announcement was made on Northwest Sports Tonight with Paul Silvi on the Northwest Cable News Network.

Becanic was the head coach of the Everett Silvertips for the past two seasons. He compiled a 69-66-7-5 record in his two years behind the Tips bench. Becanic was the associate head coach with Everett for four years prior to being promoted to head coach position.

“It is not often that you get to add a coach of Becanic’s caliber,” said T-Birds head coach Rob Sumner. “From the many games we have gone up against each other in the last few years, I have always appreciated his abilities behind the bench. I know his experience will benefit our team.”

“I am looking forward to working with the entire T-Birds coaching staff and front office,” said Becanic. “This is a great opportunity to work with one of the top organizations in the Western Hockey League.”

The T-Birds coaching staff now consists of head coach Rob Sumner, assistant coaches Turner Stevenson, Jim McTaggart and Becanic and goalie coach Paul Fricker. Becanic, who lives in Snohomish, will join the T-Birds immediately.

The T-Birds open the 2009-10 season on Sept. 18, against the Silvertips at 7:35 p.m. at ShoWare Center.

T-Birds season tickets are also currently on sale. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the T- Birds office at 253-239-PUCK.