NHL coaches launch major initiative seven months early

Another sign we aren't likely to see NHL hockey any time soon

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HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
NHL coaches launch major initiative seven months early
NHL

In what seems like another pretty good sign that the NHL won't be starting up again any time soon, the NHL Coaches Assocation has officially released its mentorship program seven months ahead of schedule due to the impact COVID-19 is having on the sport. The initiative, initially rolled out in February, saw coaches from the NCAA, USHL, ECHL and AHL participate in live webinars led by current NHL head coaches around the topics of leadership, communication, career advancement and other advice for coaches looking to enhance their skillset.

Initially intended to release on a broader scale next season beginning in October 2020, the NHLCA moved up the launch to due to the impact of the impact of COVID-19 on the sport. Coaches from across North America and Europe have been invited to participate in the program directly by their Association/Federation. Over the coming six weeks, there will be more than 20 presentations from NHL head, assistant and goalie coaches, with representation from nearly every NHL team. 

We have a responsibility to take a leadership role in the development of hockey coaches,” Buffalo Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger said. “We’re so fortunate to be coaching in the NHL, so sharing our knowledge and insights with the next generation of coaches is the least we can do.”

“I was happy to do it," Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy told The Athletic on Thursday. "There aren’t that many guys anymore from the ECHL (who make it as a coach in the NHL). The first game I ever coached was against Bruce Boudreau. I was in Jacksonville and he was with Mississippi. Pete Laviolette was coaching in the league at the time, Jimmy Playfair, so some guys used to get out of that league.”

Source: TSN