Rob Daum named Falcons head coach for 2009-10 |
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Rob Daum
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By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
SPRINGFIELD The Springfield Falcons' biggest challenge this October will be finding an antidote for its plague of injuries, call-ups and poor on-ice performance last season.
The Falcons and the Edmonton Oilers, their National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate, have been cooking up a remedy, which will include Head Coach Rob Daum.
The Oilers announced last week that Daum will return to the bench this fall after stepping in for Head Coach Jeff Truitt with only 30 games remaining in the 2008-09 season. The coaching change did little for the team's raw numbers, however, wrapping up last season in last place with 60 points.
Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini and Falcons General Manger Bruce Landon said they have the utmost confidence that Daum will be part of the larger nest of future success.
"Rob has had tremendous success throughout his coaching career and he brings valuable experience to our organization," Tambellini said. "He's a great teacher of the game who works hard in preparing our young players for the next level [in the NHL]."
Landon agreed, adding, "He's got a structure to his coaching style [that] holds the players accountable in the weight room and on the ice."
Landon explained that he's been working with the Oilers and Daum to focus on filling critical holes within the lineup, which would facilitate a more competitive team.
"We have some gaps to fill there's no question [about that]," Daum said. "We've got a list of players that we feel can help us to be a stronger organization."
He added that goal scoring and stronger defense are primary concerns for the Falcons this fall.
"We need to make sure that the defense can move the puck and improve some scoring [chances] on the front [lines]," Landon said.
He added that the organization has outlined a list of free agents that will help to fill the gaps come July 1.
"We do have depth within the organization," Daum said. "We do have some building blocks ... [it's just a matter of turning it into a sturdy structure]."
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