It was like a parting of the Red Sea, but not quite as dramatic when the announcement came down that the Sharks and Head Coach (Todd McLellan) have mutually agreed to part.
Assistant coaches Jim Johnson and Jay Woodcroft and video coordinator Brett Heimlich have been relieved of their duties. Associate coach Larry Robinson has moved into his full-time role of director of player development at the conclusion of the 2014-15 regular seasons.
Sharks GM Doug Wilson said in a press release “I want to thank Todd and his staff for their years of service to the San Jose Sharks organization.”
The 47-year-old McLellan failed to qualify for the post-season as a coach for the first time this season.
Under his reign the Sharks made seven (7) consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2008-09, and reached the Conference Final (twice) in 2010 and 2011.
Not surprised that McLellan told the media in a press release “San Jose will always hold a special place for me and my family and I would like to thank Doug and the Sharks organization for allowing me the opportunity to coach at the National Hockey League level.”
The native of Melville, Sask., was named head coach of the Sharks on June 12, 2008.
He leaves as the franchise leader in wins (311), games coached (540) and points percentage (.637), with an overall record of 311-163-66.
In addition to the overall “house cleaning” the Leafs have done, the Philadelphia Flyers released Craig Berube after a short two seasons.
Berube got the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, but this season they finished 14 points out of the playoffs.
Berube was 75-58-28 in two seasons and took over October 7, 2013 replacing Peter Laviolette a short three games into the 2013-14 season.
Flyers GM Ron Hextall said he made the decision Thursday and informed Berube the following day.
Another team that continues to struggle are the Buffalo Sabres who were under Ted Nolan and won the Jack Adams Award as Coach of the Year in 1997.
Another change that never came as a surprise was with the Oilers as they released Dallas Eakins after 113 games in parts of two seasons.
One Coach that took up residence in Delta Coaching the Vancouver Giants was Claude Noel, who took over from the departed Troy Ward.
He for one has far too much talent to be sitting on the outside looking in.
Depending on how the playoffs advance will depend on what Coaches remain and who will get released.
Looking back a year – let’s not forget Vancouver’s favourite John Tortorella, who is now coaching
Questions arise:
Will the Ducks retain Bruce Boudreau?
What happens to Ken Hitchcock with the Blues and what will happen with Bruins Claude Julien who has won a Stanley Cup and 57 playoff games, making seven straight post-season appearances?
Minor Hockey – Remember – We Try To Forget!!
As for minor hockey, let not forget that North Delta MHA Hockey Coach was fired after parents and officials discovered his Facebook site had anti-Jewish and pro-Nazi posts.
Christopher Maximillian Sandau was a Coach for players aged 11 to 14 in the Pee-Wee and Bantam Divisions
His Facebook page included photos of hockey games alongside posts and pictures praising Nazis and condemning Jews and since then Sandau has removed his Facebook page, nor has it been missed!!
If you want to attend the upcoming Coaching Conference this July visit http://thecoachessite.com/2015-hockey-coaches-conference-2/
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