EVERETET — The first name has surfaced in the Everett Silvertips’ search for a new coach.
The Sault (Ontario) Star reported Sunday that former NHL coach Craig Hartsburg is being considered for Everett’s vacant coaching position.
Hartsburg has seven seasons of head coaching experience at the NHL level, as well as six at the major junior level in the OHL. He coached the NHL’s Ottawa Senators last season, being fired after 48 games.
Everett general manager Doug Soetaert, reached Sunday, said he would not comment on any coaching candidates out of respect to all those in contention. He has said on multiple occasions that the Tips expect to make an announcement on the new coach in either the final week of June or the first week of July.
Everett has been without a head coach since John Becanic was dismissed shortly after the season ended in early April.
The story in the Star said a source indicated Hartsburg was scheduled to visit Everett on Thursday.
Hartsburg would not confirm any details with the Star, including any connection with Everett, saying: “The only thing I will confirm is that I have had some discussions with one major junior team in particular.”
Regarding the status of his talks with that major junior team, Hartsburg said he had not been offered a position yet. “It’s early. We’re in the feeling-out stage.”
Hartsburg also said he’s been in discussions with NHL teams about possible coaching opportunities.
Hartsburg’s NHL coaching career includes stints with Chicago, Anaheim and Ottawa, compiling a 201-208-69-13 record. His major junior coaching career includes one season with Guelph and five with Sault Ste. Marie, during which his teams went 226-125-23-23. Most recently he coached Sault Ste. Marie from 2004-08, twice leading the Greyhounds to division titles. He also coached Canada to gold at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2007 and 2008.
Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog
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