Moves in the minors

Another announcement from the team. Wouldn't be surprising if this isn't the last of the moves.

Norfolk Admirals head coach Steve Stirling has been reassigned to a full-time college scouting position, it was announced today by Lightning Executive Vice President & General Manager Jay Feaster. In addition, Feaster announced that the Lightning will not exercise their option on Norfolk assistant coach Darren Rumble at this time. The search for a new head coach in Norfolk will commence AFTER the closing of the pending sale of the Lightning to OK Hockey.

            “For the past 15-years, we have very badly needed a full-time scout devoted to college hockey,” Feaster said. “Over the years we have utilized part-time people as well as full-time pro and amateur scouts to fill the void, but we have never had a full-time scout to properly mine the talent at the college level. Given Steve's extensive background and connections at the collegiate level, combined with his coaching history in the AHL and NHL, we are confident that he is the right person for the job and we appreciate his willingness to switch gears and assist the organization in this critical endeavor.

            “In light of the pending sale of the Lightning to OK Hockey, we will defer the search for a new head coach in Norfolk until after the closing on the sale transaction. However, finding the right person to lead our team in Norfolk will be a key priority for us this summer. Once a new head coach is named we will work with that person to ensure that the new coach has significant input into the hiring of an assistant coach for Norfolk as well.”

Prior to joining the Lightning organization as head coach of the AHL’s Springfield Falcons in 2006, Stirling spent eight seasons as a coach in the New York Islanders organization and was named Minor Pro Coach of the Year in 2001-02 by The Hockey News after leading the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to a 43-25-8-4 record and a spot in the Calder Cup Final. His coaching career began at Babson College in Massachusetts in 1978, and he was named Division II/III NCAA Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1982. Stirling then moved on to Providence College, leading the team to the 1985 NCAA Final, before returning to Babson as head coach and athletic director.  Stirling’s 15-season collegiate coaching record is 290-129-28 (.692).

Comments

[Voice of the Turtle]

Translation of Feaster's mealy-mouthed weasel wording: Stirling and Rumble were fired.

Reason: they failed to make chicken salad out of the chicken doo-doo provided by the General Manager.

Outlook: new patsies will be hired to take the fall for the Lightning's minor league lack of success owing to poor scouting (resulting in suboptimal drafting) and further neglect of the Lightning's minor league feeder system by the judgment-challenged and 30th ranked GM in the NHL.

Prescription: send Feaster packing and hire a real hockey executive.

[Tackleberry]

Hey Torts, I hear there is a new opening at Norfolk. The coaching position in Norfolk, may be a good job for him. But, the bolts would be paying him $1 mil+ to be coaching at Norfolk.

I wonder if this is a big realignment plan by Koules?

[Gene]

Also remember that Stirling won an NCAA Hockey title as a player at Boston University. He understands that system and could actually bring at least one credible piece to start rebuilding our pipeline.

[Nate Dogg]

FINALLY!

An asset brought to our scouting staff!

[Another Joe]

i think this is a good reassignment with his college background.

[Casper]

'Bout freakin' time the path to the Forum was taken more seriously.

We also want to groom replacements for TBL coaches.
Can we get Dave Andreychuk and a defense wizard paired up in Virginny?

Anybody know if Luke Richardson is playing next year or has permanent heartburn against us for the boning he took from us last year?

[Bill]

Anyone know about the signing for a Center for 2 years reported on ESPN under Transactions? Looks like Lightning may have some NHL caliber players back after all are healed from last year, good start to rebuild!

[bingo]

He was a late season pickup here's the link to the site with info.

http://www.norfolkadmirals.com/team.php?id=stats¤t=four&sub=d

Not something we developed and until he arrived at Norfolk had done nothing. Then he puts up a point a game over a 20+ game span. He's a small center, we need big boys and he is not a fit. However, is a not what we need, but will provide depth at the minor level and trade bait if we had a GM who knew what he was doing. 5-11 190 pound 23 year old.
Bingo

[bingo]

Players name is Paul Szczechura

[harvey]

Just the start of the overhaul. It has it's appeal, however I'm uncomfortable with it. Depends on if the person in charge has the "right stuff" to make the calls.

Not just the calls. Anyone can fire anyone. That's the easy part. Finding the right replacement is the trick.

Time will tell.

[noradsfrntrowfreek]

Hey I am actually from Norfolk. And as was stated Paul Szczechura (pronounced Sha-HER-uh) didn't do very well before getting to Norfolk. But once he got to Norfolk he pretty much decided that he was going to re-up his game. And that he did. We are very happy to see that he signed a deal with Tampa. I am hoping he will get the time he deserves up in the 'N'!