Hockey World Reacts To Rangers Signing David Quinn As New Head Coach
There has been a lot of positive reaction to the hiring of David Quinn as the 35th head coach of the New York Rangers.
Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton had this to say, which was tweeted out by the Rangers team account on twitter.
“In a coaching career that has spanned over two decades at the collegiate, pro, and international level, David has helped his teams achieve success while simultaneously teaching the game and helping his players develop on and off the ice." – #NYR GM Jeff Gorton pic.twitter.com/D7vKLu40gG
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 23, 2018
James Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Madison Square Garden Company, echoed Gorton’s sentiments, saying that “David brings a diverse and successful coaching resume that includes extensive work in developing young talent. I am confident he is an excellent fit for our team, and know he will work tirelessly with Glen, Jeff and our entire organization to execute our plan to build the next Rangers Stanley Cup contending team.”
David Quinn: "BU is a special place that has given me so much, not only as a player and a student, but also as a coach. The lifelong friendships I’ve developed here over the years absolutely mean the world to me."
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) May 23, 2018
Rangers management weren’t the only ones that had glowing words for the new bench boss. Hockey insider Dan Rosen, who covers the Rangers for NHL.com, said that he has heard nothing but good things about the 51-year-old Quinn.
From everything I’ve heard about David Quinn, no one has a negative word to say about him. He’s a teaching coach who pushes players, is hard on them, but approachable and terrific with younger players. This is why the Rangers wanted him. He’s ideal for their plan. And he wins.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) May 23, 2018
As Dolan mentioned in April, the Rangers were looking for a coach that would be able to develop young talent, and if all of the reports coming out are true, this is the right man for the job.
Quinn is the second Head Coach in Blueshirts history who has previously coached in the NCAA (along with Herb Brooks), and he is the first Head Coach in #NYR history to join the team directly from the NCAA.
Learn more about Coach Quinn: https://t.co/L4JdZ8cuC0 pic.twitter.com/Cj9CjcHfA0
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 23, 2018
While at Boston University, Quinn led his teams to two Hockey East championships, won a Hockey East coach of the year award, and led his team to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Quinn has molded talents like Noah Hanifin, Clayton Keller, Charlie McAvoy, and Jack Eichel, as well as top NHL prospects Kiefer Bellows, Dante Fabbro and Brady Tkachuk. Quinn also served as an assistant under legendary head coach Jack Parker from 2004-2009, which included winning a national championship in 2008-2009; the team’s top defenseman was none other than current Rangers blue-liner Kevin Shattenkirk. Tkachuk, the most recent of this group, had this to say on BU losing it’s boss bench.
Brady Tkachuk of @TerrierHockey on David Quinn: "He taught the importance of good defense and how that leads to good offense; & how hard you have to work getting back into your own zone. He's going to be missed."
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) May 23, 2018
Best of luck on Broadway, Coach… the @NYRangers are lucky to have you. #ProudToBU https://t.co/sVFhvWyPRS pic.twitter.com/Pkt2P0rPJf
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) May 23, 2018
All signs are pointing in the right direction for this always transforming Rangers organization. Next up for Quinn, hiring assistants (perhaps even former Rangers forward Martin St. Louis) and getting ready for the 2018 NHL Draft. It’s an exciting time in Rangerstown, and ForeverBlueshirts will be there to cover it all.
More About:New York Rangers Analysis New York Rangers News