Live Blog: Todd Richards press conference
Posted on June 16th, 2009 – 12:09 PMBy Brian Stensaas
Hello from Gate 1 of Xcel Energy Center. The last time I was here, sitting in this exact same setup, Chuck Fletcher was introduced as the new Wild GM. Now he’s running the show, having just introduced Todd Richards as the new coach of the franchise.
It’s a standing room only crowd here in the lobby, with Wild defenseman Brent Burns among those without chairs. Owner Craig Leipold is also standing in the back - don’t you think that he could get a seat?
In introducing Richards, Fletcher said he was “proud and excited” to do so.
“He’s a proven winner and an ideal fit for this franchise going forward,” Fletcher continued,. “He’s earned my trust and I’m confident he’s the right person to coach this franchise at this time.”
Just like Fletcher, Richards received a No. 09 Wild jersey and team cap upon being introduced.
“I am truly, truly excited and honored - and very humbled,” Richards said.
Our own Michael Russo - having some microphone issues - has opened the questioning.
Richards said as a kid growing up on metro area ponds, the Crystal native never dreamed of being a coach.
“The type of hockey we want to play is up-tempo, fast,” Richards said of his style. “You can watch teams that were in the (Stanley Cup) Finals this year and they both play the same style. We believe we have that foundation here. Defenseman have to be part of the rush. Forecheck as a group of five.”
The mics are not working, and I’m in back by the plug-ins so it’s kind of tough to hear. But I believe the topic of Richards having no NHL head coaching experience has come up.
“He’s certainly paid his dues,” Fletcher said, noting Richards’ six years in the AHL. “Talent is the most important thing. How you communicate.”
Said Richards: “In this business as coach, I’m trying to sell something to the players. And I think they’ll buy it.”
Richards’ two sons, 13 and 11 years old both play hockey. He was asked about possibly bringing Minnesota players to the Wild roster.
“Minnesota is rich in hockey players,” he said. “Playing (college) at Minnesota, there was pride in having a roster of all Minnesotans. Us (the Wild) as an organization, it’s about the best fit for the organization. If it happens to be a Minnesota player, that’s great.”
Of course, the Marian Gaborik situation came up. He’s an unrestricted free agent as of July 1.
“It’ll be nice to have a coach to present as a part of our package,” Fletcher said.
Richards has not gotten to talk with current Wild assistants or other possible candidates yet.
A good quote from Richards about receiving the final offer from Fletcher: “It wasn’t like I hung up the phone and said, ‘I have to think about this for a half hour.’”
He had his fingers crossed hoping he would be the one for the job.
Well, that’s it. Russo and columnist Jim Souhan will have it all covered in tomorrow’s paper.
For those fortunate enough to watch and/or listen to the presser live - what are your early thoughts on the new coach?
37 Responses to "Live Blog: Todd Richards press conference"
Thanks good king Stensaaslas.
Stencils-
Who was the idiot that asked about getting more Minnesota players? Apparently they didn’t read this blog that that topic is a dead issue!
Welcome back to Minnesota Mr. Richards!! Truly great to have you behind the bench. But be careful of what you say around Russo the Hack, or you’ll be the next speed bump in the Wild Parking lot. Just ask our last coach.
smokeyjoe - Sounds like Sid has a seat the press conference.
A proven winner wherever he went. All positives in his long resume!
It’ll be a nice change & fresh new look for the franchise!
Sparky, please read all of what Mister Know it all is saying rather then picking and choosing. I honestly thought the Wild would win most of the time when I went to games and I appreciated that. I always was entertained except for one time against Dallas it was bad
Russothehack… I dont agree that Russo was putting down Lemaire, rather he was saying that they are opposite type of coaches. I don’t think he is saying one is better then the other
Sparky please read everything
Mister Know it all says:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Comment by Ben Hankinson
“He plays aggressive, offensive hockey. Opposed to the way the Wild has played, it’ll be pretty refreshing and entertaining.
Everybody wants a change of style of play right Ben ?
Close your eyes and ask this one question to yourself…
Are the fans most happy leaving the X after a win or a loss Ben??
Now open your eyes
See you thought that changing the style alone will be more entertaining right ? Maybe not most happy
I cant remember going to a Wild game when I was not entertained
Sparky says:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:41 am
–Mister Know it all says: I cant remember going to a Wild game when I was not entertained
And we all know that’s the meds talking.
After watching the press conference, one thing that really stood out to me was how Richards responded to a question about having a rebuilding year. He basically echoed Schultz’s comments, about how it’s a lot easier to go from defensive/neutral zone trap style of play to the aggressive, up-tempo hockey then it is to vice-versa. He said teaching defensive minded hockey is very tedious and Jacques deserves a lot of credit for that.
Richards also talked about the enforcer, saying that Minnesota has an enforcer (obviously) and that he likes to have an enforcer on the team, but that person has to be able to skate and forecheck and create turnovers. So I don’t know how that’s going to effect Boogey.
That all depends on whether or not the Wild can move Boogey. I’m pretty sure that they’ll try to do that. His contract being a bit of an albatross, and his injury concerns, who knows if they’ll be any takers.
That all depends on whether or not the Wild can move Boogey. I’m pretty sure that they will try to do that. His contract being a bit of an albatross, and his injury concerns, who knows if there be any takers.
Oi… double.
C’mon Chuck, smile for once!! Show some emotion! You made a great choice! I thought I saw a slight grin when you presented Richards his Wild jersey.
Gotta work on that Chuck!
Mister Know it all, I’m a woman. It’s my perogative to pick and choose. Am I right, ladies?
From last thread:
Bisker said: “ATF, thanks for the links again. Who out of those 3 would you like to see? I don’t think Schroeder will be available at 12, but I’d take him if he was there. Otherwise, I like Carter Ashton.”
No problem on the links! I like Ashton too… I think I would like to see more reports on him though. I like that they list him as “playing hard every shift”. that is encouraging. I really don’t think any of those three would be a bad choice. I also agree that it is not likely that Schroeder will still be available at that point. All I know for sure is that I can’t wait for draft day!!
Mister Know it all, I’m a woman. It’s my prerogative to pick and choose. Am I right, ladies?
oops.
You are correct Sparky.
Sounds like this was a good choice for the Wild. Thanks for the coverage Stencils.
Looking forward to the season starting to seeing the new product on the ice. I liked the old product but sounds like we needed a changed and last year was a rough year to watch. Here’s hoping the future is bright.
It’s a 15 minute press conference, so not a lot to go by, but he sounds fine. Forget this nonsense about Minnesota players. A player shouldn’t be signed strictly because he is from Minnesota - that’s ridiculous.
However, unlike the previous regime, I don’t think a player shouldn’t be considered for the same reason. As Richards said, the primary criteria is the person’s fit for the team. If he happens to be from MN, cool.
He seemed real nervious. I guess he’ll get used to all of it.
Such a good news day, yet it’s so quiet here…
Wonder what Mason and Backstrom think about all this talk about a new “up-tempo, fast” style of hockey for the Wild…
Probably due to the seeming tech issues with the blogs today, Austin.
I’m just happy that something has happened. Now, I just can’t wait to see what Fletcher has planned next.
- Didn’t think it was possible but the Minnesota Player Debate has become even more annoying. If Irmen and Thelan would have become NHL players, would this have even been disccused today assuming DR was still shown the door?
- I am happy with the selection of TR as coach - it is key that a new GM and coach are on the same page and these guys appear to share a vision much more than DR and JL did in the latter years.
Anybody have the shortlist of Wild prospects that aren’t in the AHL/Aero’s Org? (ie - NCAA, Juniors)
Pewter -
Go to Hockeysfuture.com. They have a list. While I don;t always agree with their talk on the players, they have a list of them.
Here is a direct link:
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11061/wild_top20_prospects_spring2009/
Hey MKia, either refer to yourself in the third person all the time, or not at all. You sound kinda schizo.
AustinTXwildfan: What are your thoughts on the Wild trading out of this pick? I’ll admit my own ignorance in asking if this a deep draft. I have only looked at the top twenty or so in NA and Euro players. Thanks
If the Wild want MN players, isn’t Jordan Leopold going to be a UFA in a few weeks? If so, he could be a nice fit.
Pewter-
Also, there is a list of Wild draft picks and where they are now on page 8 of the Wild Draft guide. Available on wild.com
Austin,
I think it was an NHL.com mock draft where the writer described Carter Ashton as “Tough to move, easy to coach”
I would like anyone from the mock drafts that I have seen but will not be disappointed if Fletcher has someone else in mind. I trust him to pick the right guy.
This is another banner day in the Wild’s existence.
It will be a much more interesting team to watch.
Now…on to the draft!
Nunya - don’t pick on Mister Know it all. He’s a special friend of WildinSeattle. And mighty good lookin’ too.
TR seems like a fine choice from amongst the group that was considered. And as a bonus he’ll pacify the ‘what about a Minnesota born presence’ crowd for awhile.
Up tempo/attacking hockey should mean immediately going to the puck carrier to try and force a play in their own defensive zone. It should not mean that everyone can make stupidly risky plays or ignore defensive responsiblities in an effort to score. It should mean that overall shots for and maybe shots against will increase. It should not mean that Backs is getting hung out to dry facing increased high quality scoring chances.
Well at least the Avalanche will have a team to compete with for 4th place next season.
Thanks Stencils
5MM - I think this is the phrase that had Backy worried:
“Defenseman have to be part of the rush. Forecheck as a group of five.”
I see Backy envisioning Mikko, Bruno, Mittens, Schultz, and Burnsey all below the dots and a 2-on-0 the other way against Ovechkin and Backstrom.
Apologies if this has been posted already, but apparently one Mr. Brian Rolston is happy there’s a coaching change in Jersey, and he wouldn’t mind seeing Lemaire take over.
http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2009/06/brian_rolston_will_be_happy_to.html
Also, what are the views now on a Marian Gaborik return?
budstriker, I had a well thought out and articulated reply to your question but it seems that the Strib ate it… get IT in here stat!! Anyway, the short version goes like this… Rumors say the daft is very deep… Fletch might try and load up prospects in Huston by trading down… do I want him to trade down? No, not really.
And Lucky, by “Tough to move, easy to coach” do they mean tough to move from in front of the net?? If he is akin to Holmstrom, IGoW, etc, I am in for that kid. Sounds good to me.
