More on Blashill (and Cassidy)

Some stories on Jeff Blashill's promotion to the Detroit Red Wings: 
The Detroit News quotes Wings coach Mike Babcock: "In looking to fill our coaching staff, I wanted successful and innovative coaches that would challenge us with new ideas in order to continually help the Red Wings become a better hockey team."

The Kalamazoo Gazette has updates with quotes from the NCAA's Coach of the Year. Says Blashill: "The most difficult part is leaving here and leaving a place I really love. It might sound weird after one year, but it's reality. I really fell in love with this place. It's special here. That makes it difficult."


The RedWings.com story is here. 
Another story, from Fox News


Blashill coached the Ice from 2008-10. The official team release is here. Says Ice owner Paul Skjodt, who named Blashill coach and GM in 2008: "It is a great story for all aspiring head coaches with respect to Jeff’s successful journey here in Indy in the USHL and the success that followed at WMU. Jeff was never afraid to fail in his long term plan to one day coach in the NHL.  His initial decision to leave Miami to run our hockey operations department took some time, but he realized he had to be in this position in order to advance his career.  We were fortunate to have had him here and it was only a matter of time before his dream came to fruition.  Cindy and I are proud to have played a part in his development and wish Jeff and his family much success in the future.”

Also, Matt Kalman's Bruins Blog has a nice piece on new Providence Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, who is running the Boston Bruins' development camp this weekend (which includes Ice alum Brian Ferlin). Cassidy played for and coached the Indianapolis Ice in the IHL. Says Cassidy: "I talk to the players, they’re human beings, I like to put them in a position to succeed. I like to push them, to get a little bit more out of them. But I think I’m a lot less vocal than I was when I first started. I think part of that’s just being around it longer and having young children now." 

Cassidy to coach Bruins' AHL affiliate

Former Indianapolis Ice player and coach Bruce Cassidy has been elevated to the head coach of the AHL Providence Bruins, the top affiliate of the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

Cassidy has agreed to a three-year contract with the team.

Cassidy coached the Ice to a 33-37-12 record in 1998-99, despite dealing with a number of major roster changes. He led the team to its first playoff series victory since the team won the IHL's Turner Cup in 1990, a team on which Cassidy was a key defenseman. He also played parts of three seasons for the Ice from 1994-97 before retiring mid-season to become the head coach of the ECHL Jacksonville Lizard Kings in 1996-97. After his stint with the Ice, he coached the ECHL Trenton Titans for one year, the IHL/AHL Grand Rapids Griffins for two -- posting a record of 95-49-18 in those two seasons -- and earning the head coaching job with the NHL Washington Capitals in 2002. He was 47-45-9 in one and a half years in Washington. After that, he assisted the AHL Norfolk Admirals in 2004-05, assisted the Chicago Blackhawks in 2005-06, coached the OHL Kingston Frontenacs the next two years and has spent the last three seasons as Rob Murray's assistant in Providence.

Cassidy was the AHL's Coach of the Year in 2001-02 with Grand Rapids. He worked out the Bruins' "Black Aces" -- the minor-league callups who serve as a taxi squad for the NHL club -- during this past postseason.

Boston Globe
WEEI
Providence Journal