“That tells you where the trend is going. So, I think it’s just a matter of time that NHL teams in the U.S. and Canada look over here at some of the excellent European coaches,” Gronborg says.
Born and raised in Sweden, Gronborg spent 20 years honing his skills in the U.S., studying at St. Cloud State, marrying an American and becoming a dual citizen while coaching at the University of Wisconsin and for the Great Falls Americans. After an assistant job with the Spokane Chiefs in 2004-05, he returned to Sweden and worked his way up the national ranks.
Executives couldn’t deny Gronborg’s work at the Olympics, World Cups and world juniors, but they could point to the fact he’s never coached a professional club team for a full season, or argue that he’s benefitted from guiding all-star teams.
In recent years, both Marc Crawford and Bob Hartley used their success with the Lions to springboard back into the NHL, but neither took over that franchise in the state Gronborg inherited it this fall. “The biggest thing for me was to take some of that stress away and absorb some of that and talk about it. That’s been good,” Gronborg says.
“The hockey world nowadays is not that different, especially with the way the NHL has opened up play. All the hooking and holding of the past is gone, and that requires a skill game,” he says.
MapleLeafs lukefoxjukebox Justin_Bonica a name to watch
MapleLeafs lukefoxjukebox Let me guess you’re gonna be promoting a diversity hiring for the next year until the NHL has a black freaking coach.
MapleLeafs lukefoxjukebox damn Rikard Gronborg 'is the NHL'. that's some high praise.
lukefoxjukebox NJDevils !!!!
lukefoxjukebox NJDevils
lukefoxjukebox Is Ralph Kreuger not from Europe? I’m pretty sure he played for West Germany in his playing days?
lukefoxjukebox ToddCordell your boy
lukefoxjukebox ping! CanadiensMTL
lukefoxjukebox say HC, other coaches are behind the bench too.
lukefoxjukebox Aaay!!! 👍🏽
lukefoxjukebox There’s a certain Metro team that desperately needs a new coach and some kind of direction, might be an opening available VERY soon
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