Michal Dobron named as new Capitals player/coach

Edinburgh Capitals have announced fans' favourite Michal Dobron as their new player-coach for the 2015/16 ice hockey season, replacing Riley Emmerson after his retirement from the sport.

Michal Dobron, left, was at the Caps between 2012 and 2014. Pic: Jan Orkisz/SMP

The 36-year-old Czech defenceman has signed a one-year deal. He did not play competitively last season, but coached a top junior team in his home city of Prague. Dobron previously iced in 99 games for the Caps between 2012 and 2014 and was nicknamed “The King” for the way he bossed the blue-line for the Murrayfield club.

Club co-owner Scott Neil said: “When Riley announced his retirement, we looked at a number of good candidates, who were primarily North American, but Michal got in touch to say he was really keen on the job.

“We all remember what a good player he is. I got talking to him and was impressed with the amount of coaching experienced he has amassed since he was last with us. He joins us as head coach of a top Czech junior side. He knows the league, he knows us and what we’re about and of course he is a massive fans’ favourite.

“Off the ice, he is very personable and well-liked by his team-mates, but when he’s in the rink he’s all business and very focused. I spoke to a number of players he played with when he was here and they all said he was very popular, but equally well-respected and that he was the first to tell you when you weren’t putting the effort in. I truly believe he is a great fit for our club”