Luke Richardson's Comments On Future Of The Blackhawks And More......
Newly appointed Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson was recently on WGN radio 720 with Joe Brand. He had a lot to say regarding his hiring and the future of the Chicago Blackhawks. Here is what he had to say.
Richardson on his best memories in Chicago as a player:
"Ironically, it was my first NHL game. Old Chicago stadium with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the old Norris division. What a thrill it was. The first note from that organ and that national anthem I'll never forget. And I can't wait to be on the good side of it."
Richardson's response to why now with the Blackhawks:
"Well I think they're looking for someone fresh, someone that has had experience in developing young defenseman, young hockey players, and that's what I've done. I've been in the American league [which is a developmental league] for four years. A little bit of player development and assistant coaching. Primarily working with younger guys at the beginning of my coaching career. Two years ago in the semi-finals and finals, unfortunately COVID set in. But it benefitted myself. I got the chance to be a head coach and run a bench for 6 games and that's right in the pressure cooker season............ So that gave me the confidence to pursue this dream, and fortunate to have good timing with Chicago to ask me to do this"
Richardson on if he plans to start with improving the defense
"Yea you know going through the interview process with the management team and Kyle Davidson, that definitely was a key point. They like to build throughout the end of that ice. And that's where I came from, that's where I spent a lot of time coaching. Obviously as a head coach, you're gonna be pulled in all different directions, so hiring another guy like minded with myself and the organization. Has to be able to work with young defenseman and develop and have some patience, but still get the message across straight."
Richardson on Kane and Toews:
"I have not met them and spoke to them yet. It's been a whirlwind the last few days here. So exciting. I can't wait to start talking to players, especially those guys. They're winners, they're Stanley Cup champions, they're gonna be hall of famers. You can't not utilize their experience and their wealth of knowledge and how they see the game into helping the team get better. I think there's certain things players have to buy into with the coaching and coaching staff, but I think you have to give players like that a little bit of lee-way, to make the younger kids see, and then they can get better"
Richardson on being former teammates with Eddie Olczyk:
"4 years. He was great. I was just a young guy, I roomed with him the first road trip to Chicago. He took me to breakfast the morning of my first game, because he's from here and obviously knows the city. What a great role model for me both on and off the ice."
All good things to hear for Chicago Blackhawks fans. Make no mistake, it will still be awhile before the Blackhawks are playing playoff hockey again. But hopefully, Richardson can be the one to lead them back there.
