George Gwozdecky literally waved goodbye as he departed post-firing news conference at DU (John Leyba, Denver Post)
George Gwozdecky fell just short of becoming the first hockey coach to win the Stanley Cup after becoming the only man to win an NCAA Division I championship as a player (Wisconsin), assistant coach (Michigan State) and head coach (Denver, twice). Gwozdecky concluded his second year as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s No. 2 assistant last week, as the Bolts fell to the Chicago Blackhawks six games into the Stanley Cup Final.
. Question is, will he return to the college game or stick with the NHL? The Avalanche needs another bench coach to replace Andre Tourigny.
In a text message Monday, Gwozdecky told me:
“Not leaning in any direction right now except to get some much-needed R&R. I have not spoken with anybody in the Avs organization but I’m sure I would if they call.”
Gwozdecky, who still maintains his Denver-area home, began his 19-year stint as the University of Denver’s head coach in 1994, a year before the Quebec Nordiques became the Avalanche. He has strong ties to the local NHL team. For example, longtime DU assistant athletic director Ron Grahame is the husband of Avalanche VP of hockey administration Charlotte Grahame, and from everything I know about Gwozdecky’s 2013 firing from DU, Ron Grahame was opposed.
News: assistant coach George Gwozdecky resigns from TBL to pursue other opportunities. Views: have an opening on Patrick Roy’s staff
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers)
Gwozdecky turns 62 in July. But he still looks like he’s 40.
