John Anderson was hired Friday to be the head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers after leading the Chicago Wolves to the Calder Cup last week. Anderson has a great track record, and now he will finally get the chance to prove he belongs at the NHL level.

Anderson’s Calder Cup win last week capped of an impressive career with the Wolves. In 12 seasons as the Wolves’ head coach, Anderson won four championships. If you include his one year as head coach of the Quad City Mallards of the CoHL, Anderson has won five championships in 13 seasons.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chicago but I'm thrilled to now have the opportunity to take those achievements and advance my career in Atlanta with an exciting organization like the Thrashers," said Anderson. "This team has some great talent, and I look forward to the challenge or maximizing our potential and returning to the playoffs."

Anderson set several single-season records as Wolves coach. His records include 55 wins (1997-98); 114 points (1999-2000); 29 home wins (three separate times); 27 road wins (two separate times); 331 goals (2006-07); and 208 goals-against (2003-04). Anderson won his 500th career regular-season game on March 22, 2008 at San Antonio. Anderson also served as head coach of Team Canada at the 2005 AHL All-Star Classic.

Thrashers executive vice president and general manager Don Waddell made the announcement of Anderson’s promotion in Ottawa. Waddell is in Ottawa for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft that was held Friday night.

“John has an impressive record of success as a head coach and we are excited to be adding him to our organization,” said Waddell. “He’s a proven winner whose leadership and experience behind the bench will play a vital role in the resurgence of our hockey club.”

Anderson goes from a team that just won a championship to a team that finished 14th in the Eastern Conference and traded away Marion Hossa. Atlanta fired Bob Hartley after a 0-6 start to the season and Don Waddell served as head coach on an interim basis. The Thrashers were never able to get into a groove and Anderson is going to change the philosophy of the team.

Anderson is good friends with Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau. Boudreau was in the same spot as Anderson – coaching in the minors buying his time – before being promoted in November. If Anderson is anything like his good friend, he will turn the Thrashers around right away. It does, however, start with free agency. The Thrashers need to fill some holes and needs to find players to play with Ilya Kovalchuk.

Anderson leaves behind a Wolves team that is going to be completely different next season. Several key players have already signed to play overseas next season. The Wolves were grateful for everything Anderson has done for them in 12 seasons.

“On behalf of the entire Chicago Wolves organization, I want first and foremost to thank John for his many years of dedicated service,” said Wolves general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. “It is with great pride that I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor. He has earned this opportunity and I am confident that his track record of success will continue.”

Joel Quenneville, Marc Crawford, Paul Maurice, and John Tortorella were all available coaches with NHL experience. The Thrashers made the right choice in giving Anderson the opportunity at the NHL level. After all, he’s been a winner at every other level. Hopefully if Anderson does struggle in his first season or even his second season, the Thrashers wont jump the gun and fire Anderson before he has time to develop the young players.