AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 20
Friday, June 20, 2008
John Anderson - Come On Down!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A new chapter in Thrashers history has begun as John Anderson has been named as the third head coach in the franchise’s history. Anderson, as we all know, comes to us via the Chicago Wolves where they just wrapped up the Calder Cup earlier in the month.
Atlanta joins San Jose, Florida and Ottawa as teams ushering in a new crop of NHL head coaches.
It would be tough to find a coach more ready…more prepared to break into the NHL ranks as Anderson is. He’s pretty much proved all he can at the AHL level leading the Wolves to 6 AHL championships finals… winning four of them, (1998, 2000, 2002 and 2008). The Wolves have failed to qualify for post-season play but once, (2005-2006 season), during the time they were coached by Anderson. Not surprisingly, he has won more games then any other Wolves coach, both in the regular season and playoffs.
Anderson’s Wolves last season scored 300 goals in the 80 game AHL schedule. That easily led the league…the second best total was 280.
As a player, Anderson spent 12 years playing in the NHL, splitting that time between the Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers. The right-winger amassed 282 goals and 349 assists in that time. His career best numbers came in 1982-83 with the Leafs when he notched 31 goals and 80 points in 80 games played.
To me, this hiring is very welcome news. This team needs a coach who knows how to step in here and start moving the program forward from day one. This man can do just that, in my opinion…especially given his experience with the players that have come through Chicago on their way here.
Others who have to be very happy with this selection are the players who will be trying to land permanent jobs on the big squad during the upcoming training camp and pre-season. The Haydars, Sterlings, Stuarts, Littles, Valabiks have to know that they will be given more than a fair shake with the coach that they know…and who knows them…so well.
So, welcome John Anderson. Good luck with the team you have been charged with to lead…TO THE STANLEY CUP!
