Steve Ott knew he wanted to lead his own bench. Now the coach of the Springfield Thunderbirds, he’s making sure to stay patient – with his eyes set on one day doing the same in the NHL.

This is an excerpt from this week's AHL Notebook. For more on the American Hockey League, make sure to check out the entire notebook along with the AHL Site!

Blues associate coach didn't hesitate when GM Doug Armstrong presented 43-year-old with head coaching opportunity

Team's associate coach will assume role for remainder of season after firing of Steve Konowalchuk At Springfield