Ken Hitchcock & The 200 Foot Game
Blues GM Doug Armstrong and new Head Coach Ken Hitchcock at the September press conference announcing Hitchcock's hiring.
By Stephen Holley
OSNHL Beat Writer
When Blues GM Doug Armstrong introduced Ken Hitchcock to the press and fans in September, many of those listening to the new coach heard a new phrase.
'The 200 foot game'.
After his explanation of the phrase, it was obvious to many at the conference that the Blues had made the right decision replacing the young Davis Payne with the experienced Hitchcock.
Hitchcock has come at an interesting time with regards to the roster in which he is inheriting in St. Louis. The Blues, with the exception of a superstar, are loaded with talent, grit, and hockey smarts with a real chance to make a statement this season.
The challenge Hitchcock will have to face is getting the younger players to play more consistently, something Hitchcock doesn't think is totally his responsibility.
"It falls on leadership, the captiains, the veterans that know how to be a professional...they need to 'buy in'...when they do that, the younger players see that and will follow. It works everywhere...on and off the ice', said Hitchcock, who David Backes describes as 'cerebral'.
Speaking of Backes, Hitchcock makes no qualms about what is expected of his captains.
"When you are the captain of my hockey team, you are expected to leave it all out there, night after night. No exceptions. Your 'buy in' level needs to be higher than everyone. David is that guy. His impact on games goes far beyond the scoresheet. He is smart, articulate, and exudes natural leadership skills", said Hitchcock during is first presser as coach of the Blues.
Ken Hitchcock start their preseason schedule tonight against a division foe, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Blues GM Doug Armstrong and new Head Coach Ken Hitchcock at the September press conference announcing Hitchcock's hiring.
By Stephen Holley
OSNHL Beat Writer
When Blues GM Doug Armstrong introduced Ken Hitchcock to the press and fans in September, many of those listening to the new coach heard a new phrase.
'The 200 foot game'.
After his explanation of the phrase, it was obvious to many at the conference that the Blues had made the right decision replacing the young Davis Payne with the experienced Hitchcock.
Hitchcock has come at an interesting time with regards to the roster in which he is inheriting in St. Louis. The Blues, with the exception of a superstar, are loaded with talent, grit, and hockey smarts with a real chance to make a statement this season.
The challenge Hitchcock will have to face is getting the younger players to play more consistently, something Hitchcock doesn't think is totally his responsibility.
"It falls on leadership, the captiains, the veterans that know how to be a professional...they need to 'buy in'...when they do that, the younger players see that and will follow. It works everywhere...on and off the ice', said Hitchcock, who David Backes describes as 'cerebral'.
Speaking of Backes, Hitchcock makes no qualms about what is expected of his captains.
"When you are the captain of my hockey team, you are expected to leave it all out there, night after night. No exceptions. Your 'buy in' level needs to be higher than everyone. David is that guy. His impact on games goes far beyond the scoresheet. He is smart, articulate, and exudes natural leadership skills", said Hitchcock during is first presser as coach of the Blues.
Ken Hitchcock start their preseason schedule tonight against a division foe, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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