Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 5)

[GeoBlue]

Develop a coach along with players?

I still don't buy the idea that the league is a development league for the coaches as well. That is like a student paying thousands of dollars in University tuition to get a professor that is learning the ropes.

 

[EvenSteven]

Speaking of punting K2. It seems like the powers that be down in the old hallowed halls at the Aud are looking 4 years down the road. That is a long haul for paying fans to wait for a so called shot at a hypothetical Mem Cup here in KW. When you look at the last two seasons they actually finished 7th and 8th under MM's guidance. He is still running the ship regardless of whether he finds a new coach. Fans have given all the mulligans allowed. Hopefully they can find someone solid and can keep them around for a few years. Wouldn't want to be in their shoes going forward but hope it works out for the fans. They did draft some interesting exciting players in this past draft.

If the primary goal for the hierarchy of the Rangers is the 2027 Memorial Cup, then I can just hear these directors now:

“Why would we hire and spend significant money on a big name coach this summer, signing him to a three-year contract? There’s a very good possibility he would graduate pro ranks by the end of his contract. That would leave us with another search for a coach going into a Memorial Cup season.”

I wouldn’t be surprise if they forgo the hiring of a big name coach with significant experience coaching at this level.

 

[K2]

Hopefully they can find someone solid and can keep them around for a few years. Wouldn't want to be in their shoes going forward but hope it works out for the fans. They did draft some interesting exciting players in this past draft.

Indeed, a potential MemCup bid should be plenty of incentive to land the absolute best players & personnel possible. I think the full houses these playoffs are encouraging for the Ranger brass too. Lots of new faces in my section where seats had gone empty as often as not for years come playoff time.

 

[bobber]

If the primary goal for the hierarchy of the Rangers is the 2027 Memorial Cup, then I can just hear these directors now:

“Why would we hire and spend significant money on a big name coach this summer, signing him to a three-year contract? There’s a very good possibility he would graduate pro ranks by the end of his contract. That would leave us with another search for a coach going into a Memorial Cup season.”

I wouldn’t be surprise if they forgo the hiring of a big name coach with significant experience coaching at this level.

Good point Even. This is why I said I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. They made an error hiring Dennis in most people opinion. Now they kind of painted themselves into a corner so to speak. It's a bit of a precarious situation to be in. If they hire a coach it should be on a one year contract to see he works out. This is why I think it will be another promotion from the present staff. Already being paid anyway. MM did say they don't want to keep firing or replacing coaches. It may seem like a cash cow down at the Aud that just keeps spewing money but I don't think that the case? If they do hire an outside coach I hope it's one fans have heard of in the last few years so they know what to expect. With Dennis it was a mystery.

 

[EvenSteven]

If they hire a coach it should be on a one year contract to see he works out.

If it’s a high end, established coach we’re looking for, we’ll have to give him a three year deal.

Anyone of any significance won’t sign a one year deal and I don’t want anyone who would coaching this team.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Throwing a name out there for the next coach.....

Andreas Karlsson​

 

[bobber]

If it’s a high end, established coach we’re looking for, we’ll have to give him a three year deal.

Anyone of any significance won’t sign a one year deal and I don’t want anyone who would coaching this team.

Even I agree with your point here. I just threw out there about the one year contract knowing it will never happen after the Dennis fiasco. The team certainly needs someone experienced behind the bench. Not sure how MM is going to accomplish his goal of a coach that can "grow' with the players and develop them at the same time. Sounds puzzling. I think the fans deserve something. Sounds like they are looking for someone younger maybe?

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Throwing a name out there for the next coach.....

Andreas Karlsson​

Did he leave because he was buds with McKee OR because he was overlooked for the Rangers head coach? Does he have what it takes to be a Head Coach?

 

[Ward Cornell]

If it’s a high end, established coach we’re looking for, we’ll have to give him a three year deal.

Anyone of any significance won’t sign a one year deal and I don’t want anyone who would coaching this team.

Hopefully it's not a money issue in paying for highly regarded coach. Sure, that type of coach will command top dollar. But the choice is pay top dollars and get 6500 fans per game or go for a lesser coach and draw 4500 with declining attendance. Easy choice for me.

Did he leave because he was buds with McKee OR because he was overlooked for the Rangers head coach? Does he have what it takes to be a Head Coach?

From what I recall, he was interviewed but they went with Dennis. Probably signed on with McKee due to familiarity. I also think he was also commuting here from Hamiton area.

 

[rangersblues]

They really don't care. The next couple of years will be substandard teams. Meanwhile all the effort will be promoting the Memorial Cup bid which will keep the fans interested and the stands full.

Ch-ching. The East Ave Cash Box keeps on pumping.

 

[K2]

From what I recall, he was interviewed but they went with Dennis. Probably signed on with McKee due to familiarity. I also think he was also commuting here from Hamiton area.

Steve Staios hired Andreas once AK left the Rangers in 2021 'to pursue another hockey opportunity' and shortly after announced McKee, Karlsson & Campbell as 'his' coaches for their amazing 2021-22 run. Karlsson lived in Burlington, had played with Staios in ATL and worked with Jay here. We didn't pursue AK and he'd be hard to hire away from the Bulldogs given the team culture and Andlauer's deep pockets. He's one of the best teaching/development guys in the game and has been an outstanding Assistant Coach. He's got some HC experience (Frölunda J20) but that's really a whole different coaching environment. I'm not entirely sure that he's North American HC material, specifically with regard to managing personnel or being shouldered with the challenges of being 100% responsible for a 'hot seat' market team's success.

Hopefully it's not a money issue in paying for highly regarded coach.

No, we've paid coaches very well since splashing big on DeBoer. As a not-for-profit that reliably flows a lot of cash, we have to spend (almost) all the $ annually anyways be it on personnel, donations, etc. COVID was a fiscally problematic time and kept us extending MM as GM/HC in 2021-22 but that's hopefully staying in the rearview mirror for good.

If it’s a high end, established coach we’re looking for, we’ll have to give him a three year deal.

100%, need a great offer to land anyone that's at all qualified ... esp with the recent 'turbulence'. Our MO of late has been offering raises/extensions early to retain personnel; I think we extended MM's deal one year into his last contract.

Meanwhile all the effort will be promoting the Memorial Cup bid which will keep the fans interested and the stands full.

It sure helped retain STH numbers last time as everyone knew it was the only way to be sure they'd get MC tickets I suspect there's so many new STH and walkup fans engaged right now, after several years of attrition and COVID, that attendance may well be assured regardless.

 

[bobber]

We found the on ice product at the Aud mediocre for quite a few years before we gave up our season tickets. People around us were getting bored and some gave up or sold off half of their tickets after having the same seats for over 20 years. We all want exciting hockey in the home rink. Hope they are heading in the right direction. Having a full barn is great as long as it doesn't become a novelty like the Leafs were for years.

 

[K2]

People around us were getting bored and some gave up or sold off half of their tickets after having the same seats for over 20 years.

Sounds a lot like the section where I sit.

I didn't renew after 2017-18 when they wouldn't let me just buy 'my' seat for playoffs that year and I discovered that I could choose from 100s of prime single & pair seats all over the golds and ice level. I'd had as many as 6 seats years ago and then 4 then 2 and by 2017-18 it was just me going most of the time. Went back last year with a guy I sat beside for 20+ years when his wife wasn't up to going anymore and we split the fee this year. 'Our' section is almost all young new STH after the old guard aged out for a decade. Probably the first complete generational flip I can recall since ~2000. Somehow seems quite encouraging.

 

[bobber]

I see a familiar name in the 2024 draft thread below. Goalie , Andrew Torchia , Waterloo. 1.75 GAA in 21 GP.

 

[bobber]

Josh Brown write up for hypothetical coaches include Dennis Wideman. Karlsson, Hamilton. Norm Milley, Ottawa 67s. Steve O'Rourke, Oshawa Generals. Dylan Hunter, London. Ted Dent , Flint GM and coach. Chris Lazary Saginaw. Imagine Dylan getting tossed barking at Dale like Deboer did back in the day. Dale played for the Ranger so Dillon has it in his DNA.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Josh Brown write up for hypothetical coaches include Dennis Wideman. Karlsson, Hamilton. Norm Milley, Ottawa 67s. Steve O'Rourke, Oshawa Generals. Dylan Hunter, London. Ted Dent , Flint GM and coach. Chris Lazary Saginaw. Imagine Dylan getting tossed barking at Dale like Deboer did back in the day. Dale played for the Ranger so Dillon has it in his DNA.

Not sure if Lazary would jump ship when they are hosting the Memorial Cup this yr. Seems like JB is just throwing names against the wall.

Is there a list of invitees for Rookie Camp (it's this weekend isn't it)?

 

[Coaches Coroner]

getting Hunter's kid would be at the very least interesting.

 

[rangersblues]

getting Hunter's kid would be at the very least interesting.

I don't see it happening. I assume Dylan is the heir apparent in London unless they don't think he's capable. That can't be more than a few years down the road. Dale is going to be 63 in July.

 

[dmead]

Josh Brown write up for hypothetical coaches include Dennis Wideman. Karlsson, Hamilton. Norm Milley, Ottawa 67s. Steve O'Rourke, Oshawa Generals. Dylan Hunter, London. Ted Dent , Flint GM and coach. Chris Lazary Saginaw. Imagine Dylan getting tossed barking at Dale like Deboer did back in the day. Dale played for the Ranger so Dillon has it in his DNA.

Bobber, we all have junk sections in our DNA. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[K2]

Seems like JB is just throwing names against the wall.

Of those: odds surely favor Wideman, 3 are seemingly laffers, Karlsson would be a (good) stretch to 'grow with the team' as would Milley ... maybe O'Rourke would like some new scenery ? Strong possibility that Karlsson and Wideman might be happiest remaining as assistants. Time will tell, I'm still hoping for a surprise big fish that's got solid HC credentials as futile as that may be.

 

[ohloutsider]

I don't see it happening. I assume Dylan is the heir apparent in London unless they don't think he's capable. That can't be more than a few years down the road. Dale is going to be 63 in July.

63, he has another 15 to 20 years to go. Don't see him leaving or stepping down anytime soon. Erie just hired a coach who is 69.

 

[rangersblues]

63, he has another 15 to 20 years to go. Don't see him leaving or stepping down anytime soon. Erie just hired a coach who is 69.

Anything is possible but I don't see Dale behind the bench in his 70s. Stan Butler should have given it up years ago.

Again these are just my opinion.

 

[bobber]

Bobber, we all have junk sections in our DNA. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

DNA means Do Not Assume. Are we to assume from your comment that all Knight fans have a little Ranger in their DNA? I think it was Dale that coined the phrase "Once a Ranger always a Ranger". Little Dale always gets a tear in his eye when he is on the opposition bench at the Aud thinking about old dad putting the biscuit in the basket with his Ranger Jersey on. Dylan is like Prince Charles wondering if he will ever become King of the Knights. He might jump ship yet. We could do worse.

 

[K2]

Stan Butler should have given it up years ago.

Stan still must be OK if the Otters were eventually able to get him a work permit and health insurance to work in Erie Winning percentage went (even further) through the floor under his lead however.

 

[dmead]

As an OHL fan I respect all the teams. Just enjoy beating some more than others.

I fully expect Dale to step down within thenext 5 or 6 years, or if they win Mem Cup before that time. Mark may take over or It gets handed down to Dylan, who knows?

If Dylan ever did jump ship I wouldnt hold it against him.