Blades Announce Staff Changes
The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce a pair of coaching changes prior to the 2012-13 season.
Dave Struch is seeing his title change, going from an assistant coach to an associate coach with the team. Struch first joined the Blades in a coaching capacity following the 2005-06 season. Struch is also a former player for the Saskatoon Blades, playing in 253 career regular season games with the team from 1988 until 1992.
“Dave’s been with me now for six years,” said Saskatoon Blades Head Coach and GM Lorne Molleken. “He’s worked extremely hard and has been very loyal to me and to this organization. He’s done a great job over the years and this season comes with an expanded role due to expanded challenges that we face both on and off the ice.”
The Blades are also pleased to announce that Tim Cheveldae has been hired on as the goaltending coach. Chevelade also has a history with the Blades, serving as an assistant coach with the team from 1998 until 2000. Chevelade also suited up for Saskatoon from 1985 until 1988, appearing between the pipes in 135 regular season games.
“He’s a perfect fit for this team,” said Molleken. “He’s a true Saskatoon Blade and has had a ton of success at every level of hockey. He’s been a goalie coach in this league before and we feel that he’s a great fit to form a positive relationship with our goaltenders.”
The Blades have also announced Daryl Lubiniecki will take on the role as a WHL scout for the team. Lubiniecki is a former Blades General Manager and coach.
“As we move forward this season, we’re going to look to improve our team in any way we can,” said Molleken. “With his knowledge and experience, it will give us another set of valuable eyes so we can get a better handle on players that we might want to bring in.”