This is Ralph Krueger. He is the most recent hire by the Edmonton Oilers, and will join Tom Renney's coaching staff this fall. Krueger's background suggests he'll be the "technical" guy and someone who is immersed in the concepts of "team."I found out from a friend of mine who played hockey with Krueger in the WHL 30+ years ago. Listening to my friend talk, it sounds like this is an exceptional motivator and technical coach. Another positive step in the rebuild.
This is the "Billy Moores" signing from my vantage point. Although we don't know the nuts and bolts of how the coaching staff is made up, one suspects the "big books" will be carried by Renney and Krueger for the 2010-11 season.
One final item: Jim Matheson might not hit the big fly as much as he used to, but this article is as good as it gets.
the background is quite amazing. I like the concept of his focus on team work and motivation.
ReplyDeleteI think with the stories the past couple of seasons of challenges and a rift in the dressing room, this is a nice addition to bring some focus to the room and mentor some of the upcoming talent.
I like the choice based on what I read so far.
Thanks for the links.
listened to him on oilers lunch today. seems really excited about coming here and sounded like a genuinely nice guy.
ReplyDeleteIt was exciting to watch the Swiss team over-perform against the likes of Canada and the States at the Olympics this year. While the jury's still out, color me as intrigued and optimistic about this personnel decision.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good hire. good for Kreuger.
ReplyDeleteIs it true that they were pursuing Don Hay? Say it ain't so, Lowetide, say it ain't so. That cat is evil, he's not right in the head, that one.
The fact that the Oilers were even entertaining the notion of hiring that douchebag is alarming.
So they let go of one former Winnipegger to bring on another.
ReplyDeleteI can't honestly complain about that. The more the Manitoba presence on this team increases, the better I can get behind this team.
never heard of him, but in Tambo we trust huh?
ReplyDeleteThe cards have been played. A new assistant who is a teacher and a tactician. Don't expect any free agent signings to fill the holes. We are in full rebuild mode folks.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good hire. Solid resume, brings a specific skill set (tactician, teacher, motivator) needed by the team. Unconventional choice coming from Europe.
ReplyDeleteSounds like something a well-run organisation would do.
Man, I need to temper my optimism. Although, it's only a matter of time before the Oilers will do that for me.
Vic:
ReplyDeleteCare to expand on that?
It was definitely very close... Tencer even made it sound like it was pretty much done at one point.
Don't expect any free agent signings to fill the holes. We are in full rebuild mode folks.
ReplyDeleteUm, signing short-term free agents to fill holes is kind of essential to a full rebuild.
Love it. Sounds like exactly the type of guy Renney was talking about (in the interview on ON) when he said he wanted someone who could challenge him in a 'first mate' kind of role.
ReplyDeleteI like him in the role as a motivator, tactician and teacher who can obsess over the X's and O's while Bucky and Smith draw on their experience, knowledge and leadership tactics of their playing years. Another reason to be excited by the summer of Steve.
Before the jury emerges from that room in the back, I'm sitting in the courthouse with two thumbs up.
Steve: Not if you roll the dice with what you have (minor league players to fill in the gaps)and aim for the best possbile draft pick.
ReplyDeleteVic: Yes they were going after Hay. But what is wrong with that?
ReplyDeleteEskimo's have FIRED Danny Maciocia.
ReplyDeleteFIRED.
This is like Christmas morning.
Danny Machocia fired.
ReplyDeleteOur long civic nightmare is over.
Now that it is done, how long before the Eskimos can have quality and depth throughout the roster like they used to?
ReplyDeleteMy guess is 2012 or so, about the same timeline as the oilers.
LT:
ReplyDeleteThey're not that far off.
I fully expect Ed Hervey to take over as GM, and with the great work he's done expanding our scouting throughout the US, I think we're well on our way. He'll protect draft picks, Ricky Ray still has several quality years left so there's no rush to find a new a QB. Things are looking up in a big way for the first time in a long time as an Eskimo fan.
PDO: They have to do a better job at the Canadian draft, or at least sign free agents/make trades to improve that area.
ReplyDeleteNorm Kimball is smiling today.
LT:
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, that was what I was getting at with protecting draft picks. Borhot was a nice pick last year.
Hell, Braidwood looks like he remembered how to play football too.
Rock bottom came about 7 days ago. Nowhere to go by up now, and I really think a guy like Ed will right the ship with Canadian talent.
My guess is 2012 or so, about the same timeline as the oilers.
ReplyDelete1980 all over again?
That might be a little much but its nice to think its more than just hope.
I agree with you that upgrading the Canadian talent is job #1 on this team.
Machocia's constant trading away of their 1st rounder was maddening.
With non-guaranteed contracts and some talent on the team it won't take as long as the Oilers to turn this around.
Its the CFL, they're tied with BC for a playoff spot!
Yeah, Macioca's big news and all, but this is bigger: Georges Laraque is now a Deputy Leader (one of two) of the Green Party of Canada.
ReplyDeleteIn related news:
ReplyDelete"Rookie member of the green party was beaten up by Stephan Dion, while Green Party enforcer Georges Laraque stood by and did nothing. Later in the day Laraque grabbed a piece of legislation and ran around with it. No one was strong enough to pull the legislation out of Laraque's hands, but unfortunately, Laraque was unable to do anything with the law, and he eventually dropped it to a member of the opposing party who promptly scored the legislation."
I hope Laraque tries to slam into the backbenchers after his speeches like he did after he scored goals in the NHL.
ReplyDeleteThank god the Garden Gnome has gone. Small in stature and yet a giant fuckup, all around.
ReplyDeleteWorst tenure in my lifetime and that includes Pete Kettela.
I turned to my buddy last night and told him I regretted the Eskimo win because it meant The Gnome survived another week and this team ain't going anywhere till he's gone.
And then this wonderful news.
DownGoesBrown nails the Laraque position on twitter:
ReplyDeleteGeorges Laraque to Green Party voters: I will fight for your votes, although not quite a hard or as often as you wish I would."
also,
If Habs fans treat elections the way they treat all-star game fan balloting, let me be the first to congratulate Prime Minister Laraque.
Gold
JDD signed,1 year deal,it's up on the Oilers site.No $ mentioned.
ReplyDeletePosted this in the wrong place, so here goes again:
ReplyDeleteAfter last season, I think Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker would have helped this team.
I heard Tambo was getting the city to clear out a plot down by the river for Matt's van.
Hey, something is wrong with your site in Opera, you should check into it.
ReplyDelete