TSN.ca is reporting that Benoit Groulx is to be named head coach of the AHL’s Rochester Americans, who are affiliated with the NHL’s Florida Panthers. Groulx, 40, was head coach of the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques and also head coach of Canada’s national junior team.
———
The Spokane Chiefs didn’t hire an assistant coach on Wednesday, but they did sign Chris Moulton, their director of scouting/player personnel, to a new three-year contract. He has filled that role with the Chiefs since before 2005-06. . . . They do still need an assistant coach after Cam Severson, who was on the verge of taking the job, decided to play another season in Europe. Hey, what about former Chiefs D Jon Klemm? He almost ended up with the Kootenay Ice last season before playing another season of pro.
———
Jim Swanson, the sports editor of the Prince George Citizen, has lots of Cougars news in Thursday’s paper. The Cougars unveiled a new logo and some promotions on Wednesday. Swanson also talked with owner Rick Brodsky about the financial side of things. Swanson also has a training camp advance, including news on something of a clash between D Art Bidlevskii and his dogs. This link right here will take you to the Brodsky story and you can surf to the others from there.
———
And what to make of F Stefan Legein, a second-round NHL draft pick, who apparently has told the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets that he through with hockey? Legein, the 37th pick in the 2007 NHL draft, also played for Team Canada as it won the 2008 World Junior Championship. He had 37 points in 30 games with the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs last season. . . . By the sounds of Doug Woods, Legein’s agents, the decision may not be etched in stone. . . . "He's looking at things and assessing a lot of things right now," Woods told the Columbus Dispatch. "I don't know which way it's going to go, but we'll find out something. Look, he's a kid with an enormous amount of talent. He's got all the talent and skill in the world. A lot of other people have the skill to be a great doctor, and they decide they don't want to be a doctor. Stefan felt that he wasn't quite ready to attend camp. He's a 19 year old who maybe has to grow up a little.”
And therein lies the rub. Far too often we forget that these players still are teenagers. They are young people trying to find their ways through their teenage years and into adulthood and sometimes they encounter speedbumps.