By Jordan Long
The Vancouver Canucks coaching search is over. They hired Travis Green who coached the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets for the past three seasons.
The Canucks had been looking for a new head coach since they fired Willie Desjardins on April 10th after a 30-43-9 season for a total of 69 points. This was second worst in the NHL, only the Colorado Avalanche had fewer points. Desjardins was the Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks for the past 3 years. His overall record was mediocre at 109-110-27 with one trip to the playoffs in 2015. That year they lost in the first-round to the Calgary Flames in 6 games.
Travis Green is a surprise hire. He has never coached at the NHL level but has been a successful minor league coach. In 2013 Green coached the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL (Western Hockey League) to a championship. He moved up to the AHL (American Hockey League) with the Utica Comets and led them to a record of 155-110-39 in 4 years, making the playoffs twice. Green even coached them all the way to the Calder Cup Championship series in 2015 but lost to the Manchester Monarchs in 5 games. According to ESPN Green said, “It’s a proud day for me. It’s something I’ve been working on for a long time. And to get the opportunity here in Vancouver is extra special.”
Green doesn’t have NHL coaching experience. His only knowledge of the NHL was when he was a player, which lasted from 1992 to 2007. The Vancouver Canucks are hoping that his coaching style in minor league hockey will transition into the NHL.
The Vancouver Canucks must be patient with Green. They are rebuilding with this hire. It will take a few years for the skaters to understand Green’s coaching style. Once that happens they might be a playoff team for years to come. Hopefully Green will have the chance to prove he is the right man for the job.
What do you think of the Vancouver Canucks hiring Travis Green as head coach?
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