Coaching change involves former WHLers

From the website of the AHL's Springfield Falcons . . .

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have appointed Rob Daum as head coach of the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, replacing Jeff Truitt for the remainder of the 2008-09 season.

Daum, who was serving as a pro scout with the Oilers this season, will assume his role immediately with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate and will be behind the bench for the Falcons game at Manchester on Wednesday, February 11th. It is the first game of a four game road trip for Springfield.

Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini says, “The Oilers organization would like to thank Jeff for his commitment and effort. Jeff’s an outstanding individual who worked hard everyday to improve his hockey club.”

Daum is currently in his second season as a member of the Oilers’ organization after serving as an assistant coach with Craig MacTavish’s staff in 2007-08.
The 50-year-old native of Churchbridge, Saskatchewan returns to the American Hockey League coaching ranks having previously served as head coach of the Houston Aeros for two seasons from 2005-06 to 2006-07. He registered a 77-67-16 (W-L-OT) record with the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate and guided the Aeros to a second place finish in the AHL’s West Division in 2005-06 with a 50-24-6 mark, advancing to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Prior to joining the professional coaching ranks, Daum spent 10 seasons behind the bench at the University of Alberta. He compiled a 345-79-32 (.792) record with the Golden Bears from 1995-96 to 2004-05 and won three CIS University Cup national championships.

Named the Falcons head coach on June 17, 2008, Truitt compiled a 16-27-7 record with Springfield through the season’s first 50 games.