NEWS

(Story by Brad Kelly of the Pickering News Advertiser - www.durhamregion.com - Photo Credit:  Gary Keys/OJHL Images)

The Pickering Panthers have a new GM/head coach as owner Steve Tuchner tries to put the pieces in place to take the franchise to the next level.

In a surprise move last week, Tuchner fired GM/head coach Mike Galati, who had the team in first place in the North Division of the Ontario Junior Hockey League standings at the time. It’s the second time Galati has been let go from the team, having been replaced by previous owner Rob Stein, but re-hired when Tuchner bought the team from Stein in 2012.

“I think Mike did a great job. I have no negatives to say about his dedication, his effort, intellect or what he accomplished here,” said Tuchner of the parting. “It’s nothing to do with him, but the next three to five years where we want to get to as a program and what we thought needed to take place.”

Tuchner met with both Galati and assistant coach Jay Knuth last week to inform them of the dismissal.

The new GM/head coach is Matt Muir. The Panthers have also added NHL Hall of Fame defenceman Paul Coffey to the staff. His son, Blake, is a draft pick of the Windsor Spitfires and a rookie defenceman with the Panthers this season. While the role has yet to be given a title, Tuchner said Coffey will have full access to the hockey operations.

“I wanted the input of Paul and I needed a coaching staff that was accepting of his opinions,” said Tuchner. “I think we’re not only going to build the best program in junior, I think we’re going to elevate the whole league.

“From what we took over to where we are today, it was an incredible job done. But I now have access to, in my opinion, one of the great minds in hockey and I’m going to use it. I don’t think that great mind will lead the organization astray.”

Galati, who was originally reluctant to comment, did offer the following:

“It’s unfortunate because we started from scratch here and I thought we did a good job of building, not only a team, but a franchise. Kids are wanting to come play here now instead of wanting to get out.”

After Coffey informed the players of the change in leadership behind the bench, the Panthers earned a home-ice 4-4 tie with Orangeville on Friday, then lost 7-3 in Wellington on Sunday. Muir, who has experience at the junior level, most recently in Jr. C with the Uxbridge Bruins, was behind the bench for both games.

Muir’s hiring came on the recommendation of Coffey, said Tuchner. While his role is still evolving, Tuchner said Coffey is expected to be an eye in the sky during games, help on ice during practices and be behind the bench if needed.

The Panthers (8-5-1-3) head into the weekend in second place in the North Division with 20 points, six behind Aurora. Newmarket (18) is two points back in third, while Stouffville and Lindsay are tied with 17 points each.

The Panthers will entertain Kingston on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., then head to St. Michael’s on Sunday and Buffalo next Tuesday in the first two of five straight road games.