Penguins fire Olczyk, hire Therrien

[CapnHandi]

Thursday, December 15, 2005

By Dave Molinari,Pittsburghlace Post-Gazette



The Penguins today named Michel Therrien to replace Eddie Olczyk as coach.

In addition to Olczyk, assistant coaches Randy Hillier and Joe Mullen, goaltending coach Shane Clifford and strength and conditioning coach John Welday were fired.

Therrien, formerly the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens from November 2000 to February 2003, has been coach of the Penguins American Hockey League farm team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the past three years.

Mike Yeo was hired as an assistant coach, while Gilles Lefebvre will take over as goaltending coach and Stephane Dube will be the strength and conditioning coach. Another assistant coach will be hired. All were on Therrien's staff with the Baby Penguins.

Penguins general manager Craig Patrick said he will meet with the fired personnel today to discuss their futures in the organization.

Patrick said he believes the changes will make it possible for the Penguins to make a run for a playoff spot.

"We are going to get back in the playoff hunt and, hopefully, make the playoffs," he said.