Coaching Shake-up in Detroit

Breaking news out of Hockeytown: rookie MRFHL head coach Jim Montgomery has been hired to replace the legendary Joel Quenneville.

Montgomery brings a new style to the team and knows how to get the most out of his players defensively. Montgomery only has a track record of 1 NHL season but already looks like he could be headed for a long career as a top tier NHL head coach. The Red Wings are betting on this being the case.

This is the Wing's first coaching change under GM Austin Evans (and might even be the first coaching change in MRFHL Wings history, I can't find record of any other coaches). GM Evans took over in July 2014 and the Wings have gone on to miss the playoffs in 5 consecutive seasons despite a plethora of roster moves each season and adding top tier players like McDavid and Kucherov. The only constant in all of this time has been coach Q.

GM Evans held a press conference to discuss the move.

"Today I'm excited to announce Jim Montgomery as our new head coach. Jim brings a history of winning; he has won championships as a player at the NCAA and AHL levels, and as a coach in the USHL and NCAA. Jim started out as a volunteer assistant coach in the NCAA, worked his way up to head coach/GM in the USHL where he won a championship and 2 GM of the year awards, then went on to be head coach of the University of Denver for 5 years, where he won another championship. As an NHL rookie his team allowed the 2nd fewest goals and advanced to round 2 in the playoffs. Jim brings a strong defensive style that should balance out the Wings' roster and allow Robin Lehner to shine."

"It was tough to let Joel go. As far as I can tell from records, he was the only coach this team has known in its history, and he's certainly one of the best coaches in hockey history. However, I felt it was time for a change. Something wasn't clicking with this group and Montgomery was too good to pass up. Joel will take over Grand Rapids, who lost in game 6 of the finals this past season."

"I'm hoping this move along with our recent roster revamp will get the Wings back in the playoffs and contending for a championship."

-Detroit Free Press