Hey everyone! I’m finally back from my vacation, but I will be home for a few days, and then gone again. However, because of that vacation, I’ve also got all the errands and work to catch up on. I’m sure you all know how it goes. Point is, if I'm M.I.A—you know why.
Anyway, Todd McLellan finally ended all that “suspense” about who would fill the assistant coach posts for the Sharks.
Anyway, Todd McLellan finally ended all that “suspense” about who would fill the assistant coach posts for the Sharks.
Trent Yawney, Todd Richards, and Jay Woodcroft will all be behind the Sharks bench next season, with Corey Schwab and Mike Ricci named as the goalie development coach and development coach, respectively.
Yawney was the first name I, like many other Sharks fans, had heard of for the assistant coach position. The most I had known about him before the hiring was that he was a big part of the Chicago Blackhawk organization, working as an assistant coach and head coach.
Yawney was the first name I, like many other Sharks fans, had heard of for the assistant coach position. The most I had known about him before the hiring was that he was a big part of the Chicago Blackhawk organization, working as an assistant coach and head coach.
Last year, Yawney served as a scout for the Ducks. He has also been the head coach for Team Canada at the World Under-18 Championships. Yawney, who is also a former teammate to Wilson, Roenick, and McLellan (what a coincidence, eh?), will be in charge of the defense and penalty kill.
Richards served as the head coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. What impressed me most about Richards while I was doing my research was that during his first season as an AHL coach, he led the team to a 51-24-2-4 record.
Richards served as the head coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. What impressed me most about Richards while I was doing my research was that during his first season as an AHL coach, he led the team to a 51-24-2-4 record.
Also, he's made two Calder Cup appearances with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Not bad. Richards will work on the powerplay and forwards alongside McLellan.
Woodcroft will not be in as large of a role as Richards and Yawney. He will be the video coach for the Sharks, a job very similar to his role over the past three seasons in Detroit while working closely with McLellan. Woodcroft will serve to analyze and break down video for the team.
Wayne Thomas will still work with the goaltenders, but will be joined by Corey Schwab, a former assistant goalie coach and scout for the Lightning. Schwab, who is the first goaltender coach hired since Warren Strelow's death, has ties to Strelow. Schwab was a goalie when Strelow coached for the Devils, and will hopefully carry on Strelow's great legacy in San Jose.
Ricci worked as an adviser to hockey operations and will now become a development coach. He won’t be expected to travel with the team, and will just work with the guys at home and in Worcester. It’ll be interesting to see the personality he’ll bring on the ice for the guys.
Yawney, Richards, and Woodcroft have experienced winning and success at some level. Combine that with the experience of Schwab and Ricci, and that should hopefully translate to a great season for the Sharks.
So, is it hockey season yet?
-Danielle
daniellemarchell@yahoo.com
Woodcroft will not be in as large of a role as Richards and Yawney. He will be the video coach for the Sharks, a job very similar to his role over the past three seasons in Detroit while working closely with McLellan. Woodcroft will serve to analyze and break down video for the team.
Wayne Thomas will still work with the goaltenders, but will be joined by Corey Schwab, a former assistant goalie coach and scout for the Lightning. Schwab, who is the first goaltender coach hired since Warren Strelow's death, has ties to Strelow. Schwab was a goalie when Strelow coached for the Devils, and will hopefully carry on Strelow's great legacy in San Jose.
Ricci worked as an adviser to hockey operations and will now become a development coach. He won’t be expected to travel with the team, and will just work with the guys at home and in Worcester. It’ll be interesting to see the personality he’ll bring on the ice for the guys.
Yawney, Richards, and Woodcroft have experienced winning and success at some level. Combine that with the experience of Schwab and Ricci, and that should hopefully translate to a great season for the Sharks.
So, is it hockey season yet?
-Danielle
daniellemarchell@yahoo.com
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2 months ago
great move by the sharks
2 months ago
Actually, he was HEAD coach of the Hawks for part of two seasons, although it was just over 100 games. But glad you covered a bit more detail than I did--I just wanted to get something up. You can also post this on Battle of the Pacific.
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