While the Kraken finish up some changes that began at the end of the regular season, the hockey worlds in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto are undergoing radical change.
Those moves continued Thursday when Maple Leafs GM John Chayka sent out this cryptic press release.
“As part of our ongoing evaluation of the organization, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with some valued colleagues. These decisions were not easy and are not a reflection of the commitment of the impacted people. We are sincerely grateful for everything they have contributed to this organization and wish them nothing but the very best in the future.”
We’ve since learned the dismissals involve four people, three of whom hockey fans out west probably haven’t heard of, and one they probably have … that would be Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser. The long time Canadian Olympian rose to assistant general manager with the Maple Leafs after starting as a player development assistant eight years ago.
This news comes two days after the team announced that another Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson would be Jim Hiller’s new associate coach, while John Gruden and Brad Werenka would replace Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde as assistants.
In Vancouver and Calgary, Rogers Sportsnet announced the immediate closure of their respective sports talk stations earlier this week, the flagship carriers for Canucks and Flames hockey. No announcement yet as to where fans will be able to hear those games next season.
The Kraken media staff remains intact, other than moving well established NHL PR man Kyle Shohara to team services/hockey op’s, and adding Sydney Olmstead, most recently of the Spokane Chiefs, as the director of digital and social media.
Pascal Vincent has since been added as a Kraken assistant coach, replacing Jessica Campbell.
Earlier Kraken:
— Yes, Plan On Seeing Kraken’s Berkly Catton At Center
Earlier Canucks:
— Where’s Waldo, Where’s Whyno? Canucks = PHWA
ICYMI, a good hockey education here, with former Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, a Stanley Cup winner as coach of the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and 7th-all time in NHL penalty minutes as a player …
