The ‘Blades Finally Name Head Coach

Since Malcolm Cameron resigned after two years as head coach at the end of last season              (and since signed with ECHL rival the Elmira Jackals) President and General Manager Craig Brush has been super tight-lipped about who was going to replace Cameron.

Last week, the team finally made the announcement. Of course, I went along to the press conference (even though it’s off-season – I’m the most loyal intern ever) and it was a full house of fans and media. Even a sneaky journalism major such as myself didn’t get the scoop much earlier than the public (After some convincing, I found out on the way up the elevator); word is Brushy kept the news to himself.

Former Manheim Eagles coach Greg Poss stepped up to the podium as Florida’s coach. An import from the DEL (German Ice Hockey League), the man won me over when he began speaking both Swedish AND German. He was really personable, witty and seemed really excited to get started (I wonder what the players will call him… Possy? Is that how that works? I always enjoy their crazy nicknames).

Here’s his Hockey DB stats  (I don’t know how I’d get through life without Hockey DB. Really.) And a  video interview   after the press conference via Naples News.

He’s a Wisconsin native but lives in Germany with his family. He speaks with a midwestern-Canadian-German accent and I totally think he’s actor Ralph Fiennes‘ doppelgänger.

At any rate, I’m excited to see a new guy behind the bench. Florida has made the playoffs every season in it’s short history (first season was ’98-’99) and finished first or second in the division in seven of those seasons.

All I ask for in a coach is a positive attitude, a winning record, and a guy who humors me when I bother his players for interviews after a miserable period.

Contract negotiations for the 2010-2011 season are due on Thursday, can’t wait to see who made the cut!

Tags: coach, Everblades, Greg Poss