Former Flyer Kevin Dineen named AHL Coach of the Year

Hannaford Coach's Corner

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Greg Glynn: Kevin Dineen today named the AHL Coach of the Year. Kevin, your reaction.

Kevin Dineen: Well I'm extremely honored and flattered to achieve something like this. I haven't been at this for a long time and I took a few hard lessons early in the season from guys like Jim Schoenfeld and other guys that have been around a lot longer than I have. It was a learning process and fortunately for me I had a heck of a group of players here and that makes it not only a set-up for success but it also gives me a lot of enjoyment coming to the rink day in and day out.

Greg Glynn: There was a lot of adversity you guys had to deal with, with another stage of that coming last Sunday. Many people here in the Hannaford Coaches Corner asking how Kenny Smith is doing?

Kevin Dineen: Well he got 60 stitches, which basically run from his ear to the side of his jaw. And it was a really nasty, deep cut. Fortunately for us we have a great medical staff that will operate on it. I was not expecting him back for a week or so but he was back at practice the next day. That is a reflection on his character and the fine medical treatment he did receive.

Mike in Westbrook: Can you assess the goalie situation for the playoffs. Do you plan on alternating or naming a number one goaltender?

Kevin Dineen: Well I think we have done a pretty good job so far. The way it has worked out is Jani has played three games and Nathan has playedâEUR¦and that's how we go with the goalies. Jani has certainly been hot lately and that's whom we plan on starting with.

Greg from Toronto: Why has Shane O'Brien been playing forward? His stats indicate he is a top point scorer on defense. And since the injury to Trevor Gillies has he taken over his role as well?

Kevin Dineen: Shane is a prospect in our organization and sometimes when you try to develop guys you try to put them in different positions to assess where they are in their development and to give them an opportunity. I was always a big believer that versatility in your game makes a big difference down the line when a coach knows he can throw you up on forward. The opportunity at the NHL level gives you a chance to stay in a lineup and to get in a lineup. It's a nice thing to have in your repertoire. I think it's a good healthy thing for Shane. We know that he'll stick up for his teammates any time. Not only do we have Shane filling the role for Gillies but also I think team toughness would be a good way to describe the Pirates.

Jennifer from Wethersdale, Conn: When your dad was asked by a local reporter in Hartford if he missed the playing days, he responded he didn't until he discovered that coaching is equally as exciting and rewarding. Then he crossed his eyes and said definitely less painful. Are you finding this to be true for yourself and more importantly can you say it while crossing your eyes.

Kevin Dineen: For me I went through a transition period. You quit playing. You play as long as I was fortunate to for 18 years. It's almost like you feel a great sense of loss. I think you get wrapped up in your identity as a player. I don't think a coach could have had a better transition from player to coaching than to get involved in management and player development and to work in the drafts and throughout the Columbus organization. Something I will be forever grateful for. Now that I have gotten coaching starting its like someone tipped that old switch again and I have that jump and really feel fortunate to be behind the bench and really enjoying other peoples success and watching players go up. Probably the best part of the job is to tell some kid that he is heading west towards Anaheim. So it's been extremely gratifying that way.

Andrew in Portland: With potential to clinch home ice throughout the first two rounds in the playoffs upcoming tonight, how important is home ice advantage in the playoffs?

Kevin Dineen: Well to us it doesn't seem to matter too much whether we are at home or on the road. You know better than me Greg that whether we have a better record at home or on the road doesn't seem to affect our game to much. I like the idea of playing at home. You get a chance to enjoy your own fans and they get to see you in action. It would be nice to have home ice but the cards are going to fall. We've played well all year whether it's at home or on the road and we are just looking forward to getting started.

Greg Glynn: Certainly have. Continued success, Kevin. Again, congratulations on being Coach of the Year.

Kevin Dineen: Thanks a lot Greg and thanks for all of your help this year. You've been a great help.