Canucks name Travis Green head coach

[langway05]

Canucks name Travis Green head coach

Travis Green has been named the next head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

Green spent the past four seasons as head coach of the Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets.

"Travis is a talented head coach who's played a key role in the development of our young players through four seasons with the Comets," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a statement.

Before joining the AHL, Green spent one season as a head coach in the WHL, guiding the Portland Winterhawks to the championship.

"(Travis) has an intense desire to win and build a team identity that is hardworking, responsible on both ends of the ice and competitive," Benning added. "He has an excellent understanding of where we are as an organization and we're confident in his ability to help build our team and develop a winning culture."

 

[pathshot]

This makes me happy. Travis, on DRAFT DAY 2012 OF ALL DAYS, spoke to me for a good 5 minutes about the Winter Hawks, his own career, and how great draft day was with Pouliot's pick traded to the Penguins, who were hosting the draft.

I can't wait to see him successful in Vancouver.

 

[carlyazfan]

So, the Canucks fired Willie Desjardins on the 10th of April. They hire Travis Green on April 26th. Today, Trevor Linden apparently said that Travis was their only real choice and that he had been "interviewing" for the past three years while coaching in Utica. So, what have you been doing for the past two weeks? If this was your guy all along he should have been announced on the 11th, not the 26th. At least management finally used the word rebuild today though. About time to admit it. That also took too long.

Dave.

 

[echoi69]

In all fairness to Canucks mgmt, the Comets didn't finish their season til Apr 15th. So I'm fine with the timing of this announcement.

I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical of the hire due to lack of NHL experience. I would have at least interviewed more candidates to ensure a proper search was complete.

But after hearing Green's initial presser earlier today, my opinion of him is a lot more positive than before. He's much more articulate than WD, and for this particular group of players, having a guy that's been there & done that will help in their overall development.

As long as mgmt sets the bar LOW moving forward (do NOT mention playoffs anymore please!!!), Green can hopefully exert his influence in a meaningful way.

 

[bamlinden]

Sad to see Willie go but am excited to see what Green brings to the team. Curious to see if he gets some time to allow for development. Coaches can get the ax pretty quick these days.

 

[creasecollector]

I'm also excited to see what he can do. Best of luck to him moving forward with the Canucks!