Paul Thompson new Devils coach
- Thread starter Ocko
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Well, his Elite League era coaching stats are from different eras (including when games could be tied) so win percentages, etc. can’t really be compared like-for-like with current coaches and the current era, but for the record as far as I can find his record:
In all competitive games at Coventry since the start of the Elite League era was:
382 wins
208 regulation losses
29 OT losses
45 ties
To give a win percentage in Coventry of 57.53%
In Sheffield his record in all competitive games was:
142 wins
68 regulation losses
11 OT losses
2 ties
To give a win percentage in Sheffield of 63.68%
In all competitive games at Coventry since the start of the Elite League era was:
382 wins
208 regulation losses
29 OT losses
45 ties
To give a win percentage in Coventry of 57.53%
In Sheffield his record in all competitive games was:
142 wins
68 regulation losses
11 OT losses
2 ties
To give a win percentage in Sheffield of 63.68%
Like a lot of fans I was shocked at the appointment and whilst it was hard to disagree that the signing made sense on paper, I’ve spent the last week or so wondering would it ever feel normal with Thommo behind the bench. Even if he won the league would it still feel a bit weird?
But I have to admit that is one of the best interviews I’ve seen in a very long time. Yes, it’s easy to say the right things in front of a camera but there were several moment where you could see how genuinely happy and excited he is to be here. You can fake words but I don’t think you can fake emotions like he showed in that interview.
Dare I say it but he’s already starting to win me over and I’m genuinely excited for the season to come.
And maybe it’s just me, but did anyone else think he looked younger and better than when he went to Sheffield? Must be something in that Danish air!
But I have to admit that is one of the best interviews I’ve seen in a very long time. Yes, it’s easy to say the right things in front of a camera but there were several moment where you could see how genuinely happy and excited he is to be here. You can fake words but I don’t think you can fake emotions like he showed in that interview.
Dare I say it but he’s already starting to win me over and I’m genuinely excited for the season to come.
And maybe it’s just me, but did anyone else think he looked younger and better than when he went to Sheffield? Must be something in that Danish air!
Must admit I was really unnerved by his appointment, but reading Steve's post I began to warm to the idea. This interview has reassured me further. I have no idea of behind the scene rumours that some have alluded to, but let's hope that is all behind us and he can get us back to winning ways. He certainly seems to recognise that trophies and making our home a difficult place to play is what we want. Looking forward to the new season.
I think it’s a good appointment- he’s got loads of experience and has won on multiple teams.
Look aside from the old Steelers & Blaze rivalries - time moves on.
Change is good! This time last year Panthers fans were moaning the appointment of Danny Stewart who took them to within 6 points of the league title and won the playoffs! They ain’t moaning any more!!!
Look aside from the old Steelers & Blaze rivalries - time moves on.
Change is good! This time last year Panthers fans were moaning the appointment of Danny Stewart who took them to within 6 points of the league title and won the playoffs! They ain’t moaning any more!!!
The phrase European style hockey is only used by people who haven't watched it. There's more hits in an average Swedish, Finnish, German league game than an Elite League game.
The squad that was put together last year had Brandt, Busch, Macwilliam, Barrow, Gourley, Batch, Duke. Comparing to other teams, there aren't many if any with that level of physicality on paper.
The squad that was put together last year had Brandt, Busch, Macwilliam, Barrow, Gourley, Batch, Duke. Comparing to other teams, there aren't many if any with that level of physicality on paper.
Personally speaking I can't say hand on heart that the style of hockey we witnessed last season was 'European physical'.
Wouldn't say we were bullied but I felt opposition teams were very comfortable playing at our gaff and had no fear.
I'm hoping that we can make opposition teams not relish their visits to us this season.
Wouldn't say we were bullied but I felt opposition teams were very comfortable playing at our gaff and had no fear.
I'm hoping that we can make opposition teams not relish their visits to us this season.
I think this quote sums it up perfectly for me. That's exactly what happened. When you look at the players that Devils94 listed out it's madness that teams seemed to have space and time to play when they came to our rink.
I just can't see Thommo accepting any days off or a lack of desire and physicality.
I just can't see Thommo accepting any days off or a lack of desire and physicality.
Issue for me last season was the lack of reaction to Davies being injuried, busch being cross checked over and over and every player going after Barrow. Did Russell not allow the players to go after tetlow and Sandra because they were brits? For me Russell style and himself would never work, it a huge conflict of interest having GB coach in the elite league coaching and it showed. Duggan hardly saw the playoff final but scored against Coventry in both games. Batch dropped but ok to play for GB. And given his time at the club, treated like complete shit at the end, he was playing far better than Cody D but was dropped! Glad he gone! Roll on Paul!
I'm finding it difficult to (strong word) 'hate' this appointment after watching the interview.
Having pondered it a little I had thought that certain players would be untouchable as they had signed multi-year deals - but that might not be the case. Who knows if, for example, Gleason will depart. I hope that this appointment allows Thompson to say to him "what they hell happened, the Fournier I coached against was the best offensive D-man in the league" and he gets his opportunity to let loose. Who knows.
Having pondered it a little I had thought that certain players would be untouchable as they had signed multi-year deals - but that might not be the case. Who knows if, for example, Gleason will depart. I hope that this appointment allows Thompson to say to him "what they hell happened, the Fournier I coached against was the best offensive D-man in the league" and he gets his opportunity to let loose. Who knows.
Like yourself I also don’t hate Thompson’s appointment, if I’m honest I’m a little ambivalent towards him.
As per your example above, it also affords Fournier the opportunity to say to Thompson "the last Thompson coached Sheffield Steelers team I played against had a 'Bin fire' of a season, finishing below Fife, what the hell happened?"
This won’t happen of course but my point is that, that’s 6 years ago and times change and we must change with them!
As per your example above, it also affords Fournier the opportunity to say to Thompson "the last Thompson coached Sheffield Steelers team I played against had a 'Bin fire' of a season, finishing below Fife, what the hell happened?"
This won’t happen of course but my point is that, that’s 6 years ago and times change and we must change with them!
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