Noland Get’s Promoted

Some might say he should never have been released from his position as head coach in the past, but setting that aside, he gets the chance to do it all over again, on his terms.

The Sabres released Ron Rolston this past November and quickly replaced him with Ted Nolan and at that time only like a part time job for him, till who knows when?

Not sure what they were thinking about, but since November till now they obviously thought he is the right man for the job and removed the interim status off  and named him the full-time coach of the Sabres.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the team, but several media outlets reported that it is a three-year deal.

“We are very happy to get this deal done and have Ted Nolan as our permanent head coach going forward,” general manager Tim Murray said in a statement. “Teddy has proven time and again that he is an exceptional leader, motivator and teacher. He is exactly what we need in a head coach for our hockey team and we’re confident in his ability to guide our players and turn this team around.”

Nolan also coached the Sabres from 1995-97, compiling a 73-72-19 record. Nolan was given the Jack Adams Award as the league’s coach of the year in 1997.

“I said back in November that it was a dream to be able to come back and coach the Sabres and that’s still true today,” Nolan said in a statement. “Hockey is my life and Buffalo is a special place for hockey. I’m excited by the challenge facing our team and our organization and I’m truly thankful to have this opportunity.”

Nolan also coached the Islanders (2006-08) managing to guide the team to a 74-68-21 mark and in his 381 NHL games with the Sabres and Islanders his record sits at 163-170-48.

Prior to this offer he (Nolan) coached Latvia at 2014 the Sochi Olympics where they advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in the Country’s history.

Nolan started Coaching the Latvia team since 2011 and has enjoyed his experience working with them.

Unfortunately they fell to Canadian who went on to win Gold in Sochi.