Winnipeg makes coaching hire; opens season at home

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Winnipeg’s new NHL franchise, formerly the Thrashers, didn’t go far to find its coach. The yet-to-be named team will hire Claude Noel, according to multiple reports. Noel was coach of the AHL Manitoba Moose, which also is owned by True North Sports and Entertainment.

Enlarge photo

Terry Gilliam, AP Winnipeg has hired its AHL coach, Claude Noel, to take over the new team.

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The NHL approved the sale and relocation of the Thrashers from the Atlanta Spirit to True North at Tuesday’s Board of Governors meeting.

Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay, who had a year remaining on the contract he signed before last season, was a candidate for the position. He interviewed for his job Saturday and was told Monday that he was no longer being considered for the position.

Chris Thorburn, who spent the past four seasons with the Thrashers, will play for his fifth head coach. The forward played for Bob Hartley, Don Waddell, John Anderson and Ramsay in Atlanta.

“I’m starting to get used to it,” Thorburn said earlier this week after Ramsay was informed he would not be retained. “I have to go into [training] camp and prove myself all over again.”

Most of the Winnipeg management, including general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, and support staff have been hired from the AHL franchise.

Former Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley had an “exploratory meeting” with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The NHL released its schedule for the 2011-12 season Thursday. Winnipeg opens at home on Oct. 9 against Montreal.

Thrashers fans have two chances to see their old team in Nashville, the closest NHL city to Atlanta. Nashville will host Winnipeg in a preseason game Sept. 24 and a regular-season game March 24.

In the battle of former Atlanta franchises, Winnipeg will play at Calgary on March 9.