OHL 17
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It was sooooo easy to see coming........nepotism was boldly on display.
To the bottom of the pack...............
To the bottom of the pack...............
Windsor Spitfires 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 8)
- Thread starter nelli27
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Well no surprises. I'll give him at least a chance as he does have a wealth of experience at this level under several coaches. I thinking he was likely close to being named before Savard popped up at the last minute. Maybe even told back then to wait for the position to reopen and it will be yours after Savard. He has many relationships with past staff's and ownership to lean on I'm sure for advice if needed. Time will tell. Wonder if the new associate coach will be someone who was considered for the HC position or he'll let Smith bring in his own choice? I doubt Bowler gives him those reigns yet.
Not much of a search done.
This on Bowler..
Got to keep it a "boys" club..
Wouldn't surprise me the replacement is "family" member of such...
OHL 17
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OHLTG
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This is Smith's chance to show what he can do. He's built up a resume coaching behind some of the best this organization has seen. Now, it's his club and we'll see what he can do. He talked about playing stronger defensively while maintaining offence, which is a good sign. The impression I got from Bowler was that he could have brought someone in with more experience in the pros but Smith knows the league, knows the team, and has earned this chance. People may like it, they may hate it, but this is Smith's chance to show what he's got.
They also said that they expect a new assistant coach within a few weeks. No firm timetable and the process hasn't started yet but "sooner rather than later."
Oh... and no word on how long Smith's contract is for.
They also said that they expect a new assistant coach within a few weeks. No firm timetable and the process hasn't started yet but "sooner rather than later."
Oh... and no word on how long Smith's contract is for.
OHLTG
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Teflon
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- Jan 6, 2018
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Teams his. Ill give him a short leash. No sense the decision is made. Maybe Mitchell as asst?
Side note i hear there was basically no interviews done. This was a forgone conclusion.
Side note i hear there was basically no interviews done. This was a forgone conclusion.
I’d love a trade tbh. It would get us a good quantity of picks back.
Even if AHL isn’t an option, his OHL Rights just might hold some value. Someone may be able to spare a couple higher picks in the gamble he gets sent back before he maxes out on NHL games
I'm not going to hate on it but I'm certainly not going to like it either. The last time the Spits promoted a coach it worked out for him but not the team. This will boil down to Bowler drafting much better and getting Smith pros that have high upside and can consistently impact the game.
OHLTG
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I forgot about this - Bowler basically said that, as far as he knows, Wright is NHL, AHL, or OHL. There was a question about the NHL making an exception (something to that effect) and he re-stated the NHL/AHL/OHL thing.
FiveHoleo
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- Jul 31, 2021
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It looks like a crummy hire but I doubt the best available coaches were interested in overseeing a junior hockey rebuild after Bowler shot his wad at the last trade deadline. A lot of guys have graduated so there's no harm in letting this guy have his shot at running things while Bowler reloads. Best case scenario, he coaches them into being unexpected contenders. Worst case scenario, we suck, get a top draft pick and end up hiring a real coach next season. There's really no down side to this, as putrid as it seems on the surface.
windsor7: just say what you mean dude. There's no need to be clever, there's no need to be coy. Be direct when you're making a point so people can actually tell what point you're trying to make. This talk about swamps and snowjobs sounds incredibly flat earth. Is Smith trafficking adrenochrome out of a pizzaria or something?
windsor7: just say what you mean dude. There's no need to be clever, there's no need to be coy. Be direct when you're making a point so people can actually tell what point you're trying to make. This talk about swamps and snowjobs sounds incredibly flat earth. Is Smith trafficking adrenochrome out of a pizzaria or something?
As much as you've annoyed me in the past I admit you made some good points here.
Thats as much of an olive branch as it gets.
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Teflon
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Its why we didnt hear ANY rumblings, rumours or possible candidates interviewing. My info says there wasnt any!! Damn good thing fans here are just dedicated jr hockey fans or out of the loop because this is the kind of shi_t that has people cancelling season tics!
No choice now, we deal with it. If hes a success ill eat my words. If hes not a BB isnt fired with him my tics will be up for grabs!
No choice now, we deal with it. If hes a success ill eat my words. If hes not a BB isnt fired with him my tics will be up for grabs!
Reading the article it's like Bowler is trying to convince people this is the right choice. Yes he was passed over numerous times. Having the previous coach win at a .700 clip and pretty much just naming him without a process is a terrible look. This is big business and if it's not working the fingers will be pointed at Bowler.
ohloutsider
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First chance to respond to the hire but I agree with a lot of what was said here.
First off Bowler said the same thing that is being said in Kitchener and Peterborough, ya don't count us out we have a lot of good returning players. Sure thing, sell lots of tickets and then trade the good players in January to start the rebuild. Never saw that coming.
Now to the JS hire. As Fivehole said there is a strategy in this hire. It is going to be a down year or 2 so why not give JS a chance. He has at least earned a chance at the opportunity, everyone starts somewhere. Give him a 2 year deal maybe a 3rd option year and let's see what he does with it. Likely a less costly deal than most and it may just pan out, and if it doesn't oh well not a go year anyway.
I can see Bowler being reluctant to bring in a high end hire to a retooling team and when it is time to compete that coach may be ready to move on much like the last 4 or 5 Spits coaches. Timing is everything.
Now do I like the hire, not really but I see why it was done.
Others have mentioned Mitchell as an assistant but he has some history so I'm hoping not.
Again as I said earlier this is ultimately up to players and how they respond to him. That is what will make or break his opportunity.
OHL 17
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Kitchener Rangers
kitchenerrangers.com
This is what I envision for doing a full coaching search.
ohloutsider
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To be fair Kitchener has mostly been internal hires in the past. This is a big change of direction for them and I really like what they have done. Hope it works out for them.
London is nothing but a family business and that seems to work.
The pressure is clearly on JS and it's up to him to make it work. Does not matter where a new coach comes from. As long as they are capable. We will see.
ohloutsider
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I agree but a different type of pressure for him. If JS does not work out then it falls to Bowler to fix that. Also up to Bowler to draft the type of player that fits the head coaches philosophy. If Bowler and Smith can't get on the same page it will show on the ice.
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