Larger text
Smaller text
Print
E-mail
Reaction mixed for Olczyk
Related Articles
- Olczyk mentor predicts success
- Penguins land another Badger in hiring Olczyk
- Olczyk eager to prove others wrong
Talk about the Pens
About the writer
Joe Starkey can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7810.
Ways to get us
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asked media members around the U.S. and Canada for their reaction to the Penguins' hiring of Ed Olczyk. The results:
"I can understand why the Penguins would want to hire an ex-NHLer with no coaching experience, since the Rangers' hiring of Bryan Trottier and Colorado's choice of Tony Granato worked out so splendidly." -- Sherry Ross, New York Daily News
"It's surprising the Penguins would go with somebody with no experience, but Eddie has always displayed a very strong knowledge of the game during his years as an analyst." -- Mike Brophy, The Hockey News
"The hiring is beyond bold, but it could work if the Penguins find a veteran coach -- a Dave King type -- to work with Ed. Tony Granato looked a little out of his depth coaching against Jacques Lemaire in the first round, which is hardly unexpected, but remember that Pierre Lacroix brought in another inexperienced guy, Rick Tocchet, as an assistant." -- Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated
"The most important thing for Ed is to surround himself with capable and knowledgeable NHL assistants, guys who understand the league and also understand the importance of planning travel, planning practice and dealing with matchups. I think it's a good idea by the Penguins, with such a young team, to have one man who will grow within the framework of the organization." -- Pierre Mcguire, TSN
"There will skeptics, but the defense I would use is that they have a group of terrific young prospects who, in all likelihood, need to communicate with someone who has played the game recently. It's great that guys who don't have experience are getting a chance to jump into the fire." -- Darren Pang, ESPN
"You want to root for him because he's a good person, and he certainly knows the game, but if you're a Penguins fan, you have to ask yourself two questions. Was he the best person available? In any sport, how many people have come down from the booth and had success behind the bench, on the sidelines, courtside or in the dugout? History says the list is smaller than anyone cares to admit." -- Jim Kelley, FoxSports.com
"The Pens hiring of Ed Olczyk is akin to Chicago hiring Dirk Graham in 1998. Experience does matter behind the bench. Pat Burns just proved that point." -- Grant Kerr, The Globe and Mail
"If the Colorado Avalanche can hire an ex-player without any coaching experience to guide a perennial Stanley Cup contender, I guess there's no reason why the Penguins can't give Ed Olczyk a chance." -- Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News
"Eddie is a great choice because his knowledge of the game is outstanding and he has magnificent people skills. This is one of the more difficult coaching jobs in the league for a lot of different reasons but if anyone can handle it, he can." -- Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province
"It's going to be tough because the team's not very good. You could bring in Toe Blake, and it wouldn't make much difference." -- Barry Melrose, ESPN
"Olczyk's inexperience behind the bench is a drawback, but he's played the game, gained a solid reputation as an analyst, and he understands how the constraints of the Penguins off-ice situation will affect his job. If Mario plays, he's automatically a better coach." -- Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun
"With so many experienced coaches out there chomping at the bit, it's a strange choice. Olczyk played forever, but this is even stranger than hiring Ivan Hlinka." -- Randy Sportak, Calgary Sun
"The Penguins will be just fine if their young guys give one-tenth the effort their coach offered during his playing career. This should be a growing experience for everyone. Now, where's the new arena?" -- Bucky Gleason, Buffalo News
"Similar to the Predators' hiring of Barry Trotz, this is a young teacher for young players. But it will be a challenge to overcome his lack of coaching experience." -- John Glennon, The Tennessean
"Eddie Olczyk is as unlikely a choice to coach the Penguins as anyone could imagine. Perhaps for that reason, he might be the ideal choice for that young team. It might be a good fit. I like it." -- Stan Fischler, The Fischler Report
