Ken Hitchcock to Coach Team Canada: Good Move?

According to TSN.ca, Jackets bench boss Ken Hitchcock was named coach of the Canadian World Championship team today.

Good for Hitch but a little suprising.

One would argue that his time could be better spent smoozing disgruntled season ticket holders down at Nationwide Blvd. after yet another missed playoff season instead of trying to lead his country's team to an international gold medal. Or maybe he should use that time to scout potential free agents.

I say nonsense.

The only smoozing season ticket holders want at this point are a budget this offseason that will give Hitch/Howson something to build a competitive team from (say 48-50 mil), big time player acquisitions this offseason and a playoff team next year.

They've heard enough talk.

This I do know. They certainly don't want more apology letters based off some stupid idea a certain team president had to extort season ticket holders for an outside shot at making the playoffs.

Besides word has it that GM Scott Howson will be out of town scouting during the World Championships so what exactly would the coach accomplish here anyways....and should that be Hitch's job to scout? I thought we had people on the payroll for that.

..I digress.

Hitch should have some familiar players on his roster with the likes of Rick Nash and Jason Chimera likely to be named to the roster with outside chances going to Pascal Leclaire and Manny Malhotra.

They may face some teammates on the US side if a guy like Ron Hainsey decides to play or if Dan Frtische heals up in time which is doubtfull.

I wish the coach and the boys luck. They could all use a taste of that winning feeling.

-LTL