Coach's Corner #12

with Springfield Falcon's Asst. Coach Phil Russell

Hockey and Holidays, what can be better than that?

The holiday season is a time to reflect on our lives and appreciate those around us. The business of hockey is no different. Take Eddie Olczyk, for example, the Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach, who was just fired. It doesn't appear that he will have a jolly holiday season. However, when he is able to look back, he will realize that he was the first to coach Mario Lemieux (the old guard superstar) and Sidney Crosby (the future of the NHL). Expectations for the once proud Penquins was at an all time low until the new CBA and the Lottery, in which they won the right to draft Sidney Crosby. Signing All-Stars Mark Recchi, John LeClair, Sergei Gonchar and a few others made their expectations through the roof. People were talking about Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh. Expectations may have been too high with the Penguins. In comes the business portion of our NHL. Along with Ed's removal, the assistant coaches, strength coach, and the trainer were all released. The AHL's Wilkes Barre's hockey staff, the affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, now takes over. Ripple effect, both positive and negative happen in the business of sports everyday.

As the primary development club for the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, the Springfield Falcons, are called upon to fill some holes as well to win the Calder Cup. Player movement happens all the time and these things just don't get done by themselves. Ralph Calvanese is in charge of equipment and does a great job with getting the players what they need and want. Carole Appleton has done a lot with tickets and transportation along with her many community outreach responsibilities. There is a lot going on in the organization, planning, projecting, and scouting for the next game. We believe in team, and the contributions of all the parts adds up to more than the whole. Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year from your entire Springfield Falcons' Family.