The Vancouver Canucks have named John Tortorella as the Head Coach.
“We are proud to introduce John Tortorella as Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks,” said Mike Gillis, President and General Manager, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, in a statement. “John has coached championship teams and is passionate about winning. He has a proven ability to bring the best out of his players and we believe he has all of the qualities to bring our team success.”
“It’s a privilege to be here. I’m honoured,” said John Tortorella today in a press conference at Rogers Arena. “One of my dreams was hope someday that I could coach in Canada. To be here now, with this team, where it’s at, in the province of B.C., to be involved with this, I couldn’t be more excited.”
“I’m one of the most fortunate guys to get this chance,” added Tortorella. “I couldn’t be more excited.”
When asked about a relationship with the media, Tortorella said, “I know how important this job is, and I know how important that part of the job is here. I know that’s being talked about a lot. Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. But I know how important it is…so i’m dedicated to make that work and cultivate relationships with you. I’m going to work at that. I realize where we’re at, I realize what’s happened with me, and I’m going to work at it.”
Tortorella has been known to play more of a defensive style of hockey. When asked about it, he said, “I think every team needs to play defence. I don’t think one should hurt the other. I don’t think there’s any coach in this league that doesn’t want more offense out of their team. You can’t win championships without defence.”
“If you’re going to play proper defence, [blocking shots] has to be part of the equation,” added Tortorella.
Tortorella also noted that the Sedins will kill penalties, which is something we have rarely seen in Vancouver.
“It’s an organization that’s winning, it’s just trying to get to that next level,” said Tortorella. “I think we need more bite. I think the attitude to being a stiffer team is going to come to the forefront to take it to the next level.”
When asked about snapping in the past, Tortorella simply said, “I hate losing. I can’t stand losing.” While some say that you need to be a good loser, to Tortorella, “if you’re a good loser, you’re a loser.”
Assistant and associate coaches have yet to be discussed.
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