While Adam Foote may not possess the extensive head coaching track record typical of individuals landing their first major role leading a National Hockey League franchise, there`s no denying his journey.
However, the 53-year-old former defenseman, officially introduced Thursday as the 22nd head coach for the Vancouver Canucks, has significantly more experience today compared to two and a half years ago when he received an unexpected chance to join an NHL coaching staff as an assistant.
“It truly makes me proud,” commented Rick Tocchet, who recently served as the Canucks` 21st coach until last month, speaking during a phone call from Philadelphia. “He’d never previously coached from behind an NHL bench, but that was irrelevant to me because I recognized his intelligence and was confident he would eventually become a head coach. Even from our initial month working together and collaborating, I foresaw that he would one day lead a team. And I genuinely feel proud of him.”
Tocchet continued, describing Foote: “He’s a person with strong character, possessing a high hockey IQ, and demonstrated a real eagerness to learn. And that’s precisely what unfolded. There are numerous inspiring stories of coaches who seemingly emerge unexpectedly. I believe ‘Footy’ is fully prepared for this opportunity. His two and a half years spent in Vancouver provided him with substantial experience, in my view. He observed a wide array of different situations there, experiencing everything firsthand, and I think he now understands how to effectively manage circumstances simply by having lived through them.”
Tocchet himself is scheduled to hold his own press conference on Friday. This follows the announcement by the Philadelphia Flyers that they have hired the former Canuck player and reigning NHL coach of the year, who was responsible for guiding Vancouver to a 109-point performance last season.
