Jets Name a Familiar Face the Moose Bench Boss

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The search for a new head coach for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose ended today almost as quietly as it took place. Since Keith MCcambridge was fired on April 22, there has been little public talk about the future coach of the Manitoba Moose.

Today, seemingly out of nowhere, the Jets named Pascal Vincent the new head coach.

Vincent, who has been an assistant with the Winnipeg Jets since their move to Winnipeg, will now get his chance being the big boss of a pro team. This will not be his first chance to be a head coach as he spent many years coaching in the QMJHL, where he was named Coach of the Year for the 2007-08 season.

Vincent Learnt From the Best

“Working with Paul Maurice was like going to university every day. He is a great coach, a great leader and has been a great mentor for me.”

During the press conference this morning, Vincent praised the work of Jets head coach Paul Maurice, and what he has learnt from him. Vincent also drew praise from many inside the organization for his strong developmental skills that are sure to be an asset with the young Moose. Where the NHL is all about winning, the AHL focuses more on the development of players, and that is a skill Vincent excels in. Vincent’s experience with young players is evident by his many years as both a coach and general manager in the QMJHL. Though Vincent had his struggles in the NHL, especially with a failing power play which he bore much of the blame for, this assignment may be more in his wheelhouse and he will be put in a great position.

The Moose are one of the youngest teams in the AHL but they are also loaded with talent with only more on the way. The Jets prospect system has been highly touted as one of the most stacked in the league, and this will be a huge advantage to Vincent. There is nowhere to go but up for a team that finished at the bottom of the AHL, and Vincent could reap the benefits.

See Vincent’s comments from this morning’s press conference here.