Gallant Introduced At Panthers Presser

Gerard Gallant was introduced as the new coach of the Florida Panthers today at a press conference in Sunrise. Here’s some coverage:

• The NHL website has an article on Jonathan Huberdeau’s reaction to the hiring. "Of course I was excited to hear that news," Huberdeau said after the press conference.
• Gallant brings some change and experience to the Panthers, says the team’s website.
• "He can teach the young kids and demand respect from the veteran players. It's a perfect scenario; they can all grow together,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon told the Miami Herald.

Sportsnet Adds Sunday Games

As we just announced on our preview show, SNet adds a second CHL game weekly to compliment our Friday night package starting Sunday Jan 11th
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) June 23, 2014

Sportsnet will be broadcasting two CHL games each week beginning this January.

Officially announced tonight on Sportsnet’s NHL schedule preview show, the network will be showing a CHL game each Sunday afternoon beginning January 11. The games will compliment Sportsnet’s existing Friday Night Hockey package.

Sportsnet will broadcast over 60 CHL games this season. As usual, the Subway Super Series, Top Prospects Game, and Memorial Cup will all be shown nationally on the network.

In February, Sportsnet signed a 12-year partnership extension with the CHL that will see them exclusively broadcast the league through the 2025-26 season.

It’ll be interesting to see how things go this season with Sportsnet also running Canada’s NHL broadcasts. While it may seem like the CHL will just be shoved into the corner at Sportsnet, there could be a ratings increase with more promotion during NHL broadcasts. If ratings increase, the amount of games broadcast will likely grow over time. Hopefully things go smoothly this season and into the future.

Notebook: Huberdeau Excited For Reunion With Gallant

Jonathan Huberdeau is looking forward to reuniting with Gerard Gallant.

"It's good to be reunited with him and I think things are going to be good with him here,'' Huberdeau told George Richards of the Miami Herald yesterday.

"I'm excited for this. He's a guy who is intense and into the game. He keeps you up throughout the game. I think the guys are going to react to him. He wants what is best for the players.''

The fact that Huberdeau played so well under Gallant in junior no doubt had an impact on Florida’s decision to hire the former Sea Dogs coach. Huberdeau, entering his third season in the NHL, had just 28 points 69 games last year after winning the Calder Trophy in 2011-12.

The Herald reports that Huberdeau hopes to attend Gallant’s press conference tomorrow in Florida.

HABS RESPOND

The Montreal Canadiens posted the following statement on their website following the Panthers’ hiring of Gallant.

“Obviously we are disappointed to see an individual like Gerard Gallant leave our organisation, but on behalf of the management team and the entire coaching staff I would like to wish Gerard the best of luck as the new head coach of the Florida Panthers. Over the past two years, Gerard has been a valuable asset for us and contributed to the success of our team”, said general manager Marc Bergevin.

Defenseman PK Subban tweeted, “congrats to Gerard Gallant on the new coaching job! Very deserving! One of the best I've had!”

HOT TAKES

Puck Daddy’s take on the Gallant hiring: “but Gallant seems to know how to get the best out of Huberdeau. If he can do that, then this hire will be worth it.”

The Hockey News: “and as long as they weather a storm or two with Gallant, he might just be the guy to finally put this thing together.”

NBC’s Pro Hockey Talk: “he’ll have his hands full in getting this green team together and trying to get back to the playoffs.”

Panthers blog The Litter Box Cats: “it took a while, but Panthers seemed to have done their due diligence and finally gotten their man. It's time for the Gerard Gallant era in Sunrise to begin!”

Too Many Men on the Site: “it may be necessary with the Panthers' financial woes, but if you have a young team, Gerard Gallant’s track record makes him a great option.”

Gallant Officially Named Panthers Coach

The Florida Panthers have officially named Gerard Gallant their new head coach, the NHL club announced today.

From the Panthers website:

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that Gerard Gallant has been named the club’s new head coach. 

“We are pleased to welcome Gerard as the new head coach of the Florida Panthers,” said Tallon. “He is an individual with tremendous character, integrity and a strong passion for the game and has experience as an NHL head coach. Gerard is an excellent teacher and motivator who possesses the leadership qualities and hockey knowledge that are necessary to lead our team.”

A press conference will be held on Monday to introduce Gallant.

“Turk” coached the Sea Dogs from 2009 to 2012, leading the team to three President’s Cup finals, two President’s Cup titles, and a Memorial Cup championship. He has been an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens for the past two seasons.

We’ve seen Gallant lead a young team before and he’ll be asked to do it again in Florida. The Panthers, already a young squad, have the first overall pick in next week’s NHL Draft.

Reports: Gallant Likely New Panthers Coach

All signs seem to be pointing towards Gerard Gallant being named the next head coach of the Florida Panthers.

From Sportsnet.ca:

An assistant bench boss with the Montreal Canadiens the last two seasons, Gallant is expected to be named head coach of the Panthers, according to Sportsnet’s Doug MacLean. MacLean said on Hockey Central @ Noon he had “no doubt” about Gallant’s appointment. 

Insider Elliotte Friedman reports Gallant will likely be named to the position on Monday.

Reports had the Florida job down to Gallant, Dan Bylsma, and Marc Crawford. Via The Score, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos tweets that the monetary cost of hiring Bylsma may have been too high for the Panthers.

The Panthers, who finished 29th overall last season with a 29-45-8 record, have the first overall pick in next week's NHL Draft.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation

Oke Commits To Concordia

Former Sea Dogs forward Scott Oke has committed to Concordia University.

“Scott is a rugged power winger who will be one of the top six forwards on our team,” said Concordia Stingers men’s hockey head coach Kevin Figsby in a release. “He will add offence to the team and is expected to contribute on the power play.”

Oke was a third round pick of Saint John in the 2009 QMJHL Entry Draft. The St. Lambert, Quebec native played in 100 regular season games over three seasons with the Sea Dogs, recording 14 goals and 18 assists. He also had a goal and five assists in 18 playoff games in 2011, helping Saint John win their first President’s Cup and Memorial Cup.

Oke was traded to Rimouski during the 2011-12 trading period. The Oceanic then traded him to Bathurst last season where he had 11 goals and 17 assists in 48 games as an overager.

Victor Provencher also committed to the Stingers this week.

Concordia finished 15^th overall in the OUA last season with a 10-13-4 record. Their roster also includes former Sea Dogs defenseman Gabriel Bourret.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation