Jeff Daniels out as Charlotte Checkers seek 'new voice, new direction'
The only coach the Charlotte Checkers have known since the team joined the American Hockey League will not be back next season.
Hurricanes Executive Vice President and General Manager Ron Francis announced on Thursday that the organization would not renew Jeff Daniels’ contract for the 2015-16 season.
Francis said the decision to part ways with Daniels – who has led the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate for the past seven seasons – wasn’t one he took lightly, but that the organization was looking to build a new foundation.
With a young core of players already in place in Charlotte to go along with 10 draft picks in this year’s draft and nine the following year, Francis said the organization felt it needed a “new voice and a new direction.”
The Checkers, who will move their home games from Time Warner Cable Arena to Bojangles’ Coliseum next season, failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2014-15, going 31-38-6-1 to finish 13th in the Western Conference.
Quote
“Every coach has his own style. I don’t know if one is right or not right. It reflects their personality. (Daniels) has been calm, cool, collected and that’s how he coached as well. (Bill) Peters is a bit more fiery. We’re looking for ... someone like the coach we have here. Someone to go in there, teach our young kids, make them better, and hold them accountable.” – Carolina Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis.
Worth mentioning
Daniels has acted as head coach and general manager of the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate since he took control of the Albany River Rats in 2008. Over that time he registered a 268-225-51 record. … Daniels, who plans to stay involved in the game, said he is going to take few days to wrap his head around things before seeing what his next step will be.
What’s next?
Francis, citing the number of big-market NHL clubs searching for coaches, said the Hurricanes will likely “let the dust settle” before they make a decision on the Checkers’ next coach. Potential candidates include Hurricanes director of defensive development Glen Wesley; Iowa (AHL) assistant coach Steve Poapst, who has previously coached under Peters; and Checkers assistant coach Geordie Kinnear.
This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 6:31 PM with the headline "Jeff Daniels out as Charlotte Checkers seek 'new voice, new direction'."