Post by torontogm on Dec 6, 2013 18:03:32 GMT -5
Toronto, ON - On a busy day in which the Toronto Maple Leafs added key forward Martin St. Louis to their mix, the club was taking care of what is likely the most important decision for the Marlies. The club had parted ways with coach Jim Schoenfeld after several years of being one of the best regular season teams but struggling in the post season. It was expected that the club would go with an older coach with a world of experience, but instead opted for a younger and fresher approach.
Glen Gulutzan will be expected to help the Marlies get some playoff success while continuing to develop talent for the Leafs. "In the past few years we've seen players like Nikolai Kulemin, Jay Harrison, and Slava Voynov cut their teeth in the AsHL, and I have every intention of continuing to ensure that we produce excellent players for the big club," said a pumped-up Gulutzan.
"Any time you can join an organization that keeps its system well stocked and, well, you can see the results. I mean, who wouldn't want to join the reigning champs in any capacity?" babbled the new coach.
At the moment it looks as though the Marlies will have a little less to work with than Schoenfeld had last year. Gone are veteran forwards Jeremy Williams and Hugh Jessiman, as well as defenseman Slava Voynov, who is generally regarded as a lock to finally make the Leafs.
"We will have a very new look this year," said the coach, "but our goaltending has been a huge factor, and I get the sense that we will run with the same guys at least to start the season. We have a couple of talented kids like Michael Latta slated to join us. I'm confident we will be competitive."
When asked about chances to move up in the system, Gulutzan realized his place. "Look, I'm replacing a guy who has been here for six or seven years. The Leafs head coach has been there at least five. I've met Ron and he is a good man. I know where he needs me to get these guys and we'll work together. This is a great opportunity to learn in this system, and this is a club that has shown great patience with their coaches. I feel very secure." Bold words for a man who only received a two year deal.
--- Barbie Q. Pork for the Hogtown Hockey News
Glen Gulutzan will be expected to help the Marlies get some playoff success while continuing to develop talent for the Leafs. "In the past few years we've seen players like Nikolai Kulemin, Jay Harrison, and Slava Voynov cut their teeth in the AsHL, and I have every intention of continuing to ensure that we produce excellent players for the big club," said a pumped-up Gulutzan.
"Any time you can join an organization that keeps its system well stocked and, well, you can see the results. I mean, who wouldn't want to join the reigning champs in any capacity?" babbled the new coach.
At the moment it looks as though the Marlies will have a little less to work with than Schoenfeld had last year. Gone are veteran forwards Jeremy Williams and Hugh Jessiman, as well as defenseman Slava Voynov, who is generally regarded as a lock to finally make the Leafs.
"We will have a very new look this year," said the coach, "but our goaltending has been a huge factor, and I get the sense that we will run with the same guys at least to start the season. We have a couple of talented kids like Michael Latta slated to join us. I'm confident we will be competitive."
When asked about chances to move up in the system, Gulutzan realized his place. "Look, I'm replacing a guy who has been here for six or seven years. The Leafs head coach has been there at least five. I've met Ron and he is a good man. I know where he needs me to get these guys and we'll work together. This is a great opportunity to learn in this system, and this is a club that has shown great patience with their coaches. I feel very secure." Bold words for a man who only received a two year deal.
--- Barbie Q. Pork for the Hogtown Hockey News