ESTERO, FL – Friday May 30, 2008 was a notable day for two ECHL franchises. The Texas Wildcatters ceased to exist, and the Florida Everblades welcomed their third coach in the teams 11 year existence.
What did one event have to do with the other?
The Texas franchise has been relocated to California and will start the 2008-2009 season as the Ontario Reign. Former Texas Head Coach Malcolm Cameron decided to make his own move and discovered the opportunity to coach the coveted Florida Everblades was too good to pass up.
The Florida Everblades, who are considered to be one of the best places to play in the ECHL, were seeking a replacement for former Head Coach Gerry Fleming. Fleming led the team for seven years. Prior to Fleming, the bench boss was Bob Ferguson, the current coach of the August Lynx (ECHL). These great men led the Blades to the playoffs in every season since their inception in the 1998-1999 season.
“The Everblades are one of the top organizations in all of hockey and I’m very honored to be here today”, Cameron said with a smile at the teams press
Photos by Al Larson (www.allarsonphoto.com)
“This is an outstanding opportunity for me and my family to come here and coach. I really look forward to a new era here with the Everblades and working hard to get that Kelly Cup banner hanging in the rafters”.
This is very good news for Florida fans. While Fleming was a good coach, leading the Blades to the playoffs during each of his seven seasons and to two finals, his teams were never able to bring the elusive Kelly Cup home to Germain Arena.
“Malcolm has a proven track record as a head coach. He knows what it takes to be a successful coach in the ECHL and is the best recruiter in the league”, adds Brush. Cameron has been highly successful in building great teams.
Cameron has a history of being intensely passionate about the game and describes his new home in Florida as his “dream job” and says that being successful “all starts with the defense” and that will be a prime focus with his new team.
Cameron says early on he was a pretty intense and demanding coach. However, with the Blades he wants to stress the important areas: Defense, offense, puck possession, and of course, having fun!
Cameron is also a great recruiter, according to Brush. Veteran Blades player, Ernie Hartlieb noted that Cameron tried to recruit him several times and is looking forward to working with him with the Everblades.
Two former Everblades players, John McNabb and John Adams, played for Cameron in Texas. They both have only the highest regard for him and would consider following their coach back to Florida.
“If you’re serious about playing hockey, Cameron’s style is what you want”, says Adams.
MALCOLM CAMERON AT A GLANCE
Born 8/30/69 in Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia. 5 foot, 11 inches, 190 pounds, shoots right, Right Wing.
Played hockey from 1993-1998 for a myriad of teams, two in the ECHL: Huntington Blizzard and Johnstown Chiefs.
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
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