In July of 1999, Don Granato was named the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Peoria Rivermen of the East Coast Hockey League. Don had been the Head Coach and GM of the ECHL's Columbus Chill for the pervious two years.
Don attended the University of Wisconsin where he was the captain of the winningest four-year class in the history of the University, including a 1990 National Championship. In 1996, he became the coach of the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL and coached them to a national championship in the teams second year of existence. The team repeated again the following season, making him the only coach to ever win back-to-back national Championships. In his three seasons, Don compiled a record of 111-76-6, putting his team among the top five in winning percentage in North America. He was a finalist for the USA Hockey Coach of the Year in 1996 as well.
Coaching Record
| SEASON | TEAM | LEAGUE | WIN | LOSS | T/SOL | |
| 1994-95 | Green Bay Gamblers | USHL | 9 | 38 | 8 | |
| 1995-96 | Green Bay Gamblers | USHL | 49 | 17 | 3 | * |
| 1996-97 | Green Bay Gamblers | USHL | 53 | 21 | 5 | * |
| 1997-98 | Columbus Chill | ECHL | 33 | 30 | 7 | ** |
| 1998-99 | Columbus Chill | ECHL | 39 | 27 | 7 |
(Regular Season Champions)
** Won Northwest Division Regular Season
Coaching Accomplishments
• Finalist for USA Hockey Coach of the Year - 1996 - Green Bay Gamblers
• USHL All-Star Team Coach - 1996-97 - Green Bay Gamblers
• 20 Players to Division I Hockey - 1993-97 - Green Bay Gamblers
• 6 Players taken in NHL Draft - 1993-97 - Green Bay Gamblers
• ECHL record for shutout with 7 - 1997-98 - Columbus Chill
• ECHL best Penalty Killing Ration (86.6%) - 1998-99 - Columbus Chill
