On the day that the fans in Winnipeg get to cheer about NHL hockey for the first time since 1996, fans in another old NHL city have reason to cheer as well, although not to the same extent.
Kevin Dineen To Be Named Florida Panthers Head Coach
Hartford Whalers great Kevin Dineen will be making his triumphant return to the NHL as a head coach with the Florida Panthers, as reported by several outlets, first by Bob McKenzie at TSN. The Panthers have called a press conference for 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday to make the announcement.
Dineen has been at the helm as an AHL head coach with the Portland Pirates since 2005, and in five seasons there, he’s compiled a shockingly impressive 229-130-47 record. Simply put, he’s been one of the best, if not the best, AHL coaches of that period, and this crack at an NHL job is long overdue.
He will replace Peter DeBoer, who was fired immediately following the just completed season in April. It’s a tough job to take over in Florida, but if his AHL resume is any indication, Dineen’s going to do just fine.
During his 19 year professional career, Dineen played with the Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Whalers-Carolina Hurricanes organization. He was especially beloved in Philadelphia, but his career will always be remembered for what he did with in Hartford. He ranks second all-time in franchise scoring, behind only Ron Francis.
For more on the hire, check in with our Panthers blog, Litter Box Cats.
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