Norfolk gets new GM; coach still up in air
0 Comments | The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA, Jul 17, 2010
Staff report
The Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday named Julien BriseBois as the new general manager of the Norfolk Admirals, the NHL team’s top minor-league affiliate.
BriseBois, who also will serve as assistant GM of the Lightning, becomes the fifth general manager in AHL Admirals history – but the fourth in four seasons.
As for who will be coaching in Norfolk this season, that remains up in the air.
BriseBois was asked about the coaching situation in Norfolk in a conference call on Friday and at first seemed a bit confused. He said he had thought the Admirals had a coach: Jim Johnson. But he quickly back-tracked.
“I just took the job today. I still have to work with (Lighting officials) before we put together a staff in Norfolk,” BriseBois said, adding that he had no timeline for naming a coach.
“We’ve had a rough couple of years in Norfolk for our partners and our fans. I’ve been told we have good partners on the business side. We just need better players. Our mandate is to put together a strong development program for our prospects and … a winning and entertaining team for the fans in Norfolk.”
The Admirals have missed the AHL playoffs for three straight seasons, although they were in contention until the final weekend this past season.
BriseBois will report directly to Steve Yzerman, the GM in Tampa Bay, and assist him in player contracts, salary arbitration and transactions for the Lightning and Admirals
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