Ducks hire Joel Bouchard as AHL head coach
July 09, 2021
a close up of a sign
"We want to thank Kevin Dineen for all he contributed the last two seasons. He was key in maintaining a winning environment in San Diego, including a difficult season during the pandemic.
"The opportunity to bring in Joel Bouchard as head coach of our American Hockey League club was something that we could not pass up. Joel has a strong track record coaching and developing players at the professional, junior and international level. This is the primary focus for us, and Joel fits the bill perfectly."
That path isn’t so crowded in the Ducks organization given how little success Eakins has had so far. The Ducks are 46-63-18 under his watch, which could lead to a potential opportunity for a minor league coach like Bouchard at some point. The 47-year-old was the head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL for four seasons before arriving in Laval, taking the junior squad to the league championship twice in a row (but losing both). A veteran of 364 NHL games as a player, Bouchard is still waiting for his first opportunity as a coach at that level.
Slide 1 of 25: Hollywood has given us many memorable fictional sports moments, especially when it comes to the great game of hockey, with classic teams and legendary players that we still talk about today.If we were to put a team together of fictional hockey players from film and television, here's what it would look like.
Slide 2 of 25: Banks is one of the most complete players on our team. He's a strong two-way player, who won't necessarily draw a lot of attention to himself unless it's through his time on the ice. Our first introduction to Banks (Vincent Larusso) sensed a bit of standoffishness, but once he accepted that his ice time would come as a member of the Mighty Ducks instead of the revered Hawks, we started to warm to the young man.
Slide 3 of 25: Banks is the star of the famed "Saturday Game" in this remote Alaskan community. According to Sports Illustrated, he's known as the "cruise missile." Connor Banks (Michael Buie) might be the fastest player on our club. A tremendous skater in the open ice and one fine puck handler, Banks would log plenty of minutes, potentially as a top-line center. He's also apparently a successful grocer, but not a big fan of outsiders.
Slide 4 of 25: Apparently, Braden (Michael Ontkean) is one of the greats in the history of the Ivy League. He's highly intelligent but shunned the corporate world for a shot at professional hockey. He's the most talented player on the Charlestown Chiefs but has no appetite for the club's goonish theatrics. His dry wit and sarcastic sense of humor should enable him to fit in well with this group.
Slide 5 of 25: If we're talking the Mighty Ducks, Conway should be considered the face of the franchise. He's a good-hearted kid, who has grown into his role as a team leader both on and off the ice. Charlie (Joshua Jackson) is a funny kid, but someone who truly cares about his teammates. That can go a long way in the dressing room in case the squad finds itself amid a rough stretch or needing a confidence boost.
Slide 6 of 25: There's a time when Dorsey was considered the best amateur hockey player in the state of Minnesota. However, a head injury that left his peripheral vision hindered also ended his hockey career. While Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) ended up enjoying a successful career as a pairs figure skater, he might be worth a couple of shifts per game on nights when he's not a healthy scratch. The "Minnesota Machine" still could have something left to offer.
Slide 7 of 25: The legendary Dunlop (late, great Paul Newman) serves many a purpose for our team. The longtime player-coach of the Charlestown Chiefs, Dunlap is the captain of our squad, and likely the face of the franchise. Reg won't shy away from a radio or television interview and should be a favorite of those sportswriters (not sure if Dickie Dunn is still on the beat). He's best days on the ice might be in the past, but Dunlop still provides plenty of value to this effort.
Slide 8 of 25: We took some liberty here by including all three Hanson Brothers -- Jeff (Jeff Carlson), Steve (Steve Carlson), and Jack (Jack Hanson). There is no doubt this "goon" trio will be the most popular group of players on our roster. However, it's likely they will be healthy scratches most nights. Unless we've got a big game against Tim McCracken, Ogie Ogilthorpe, and the rest of those Syracuse punks. When their line is called, the Hansons will have the foil on and their opponents in their sights. Plus, they will always respect the playing of the national anthem.
Slide 9 of 25: Sutton (the late Patrick Swayze) was one of the best junior hockey players in the world during the mid-1980s. A pure scorer, Sutton was slated to be a high NHL draft pick until an on-ice head injury nearly ended his career. We assume -- if there was ever a Youngblood sequel -- we would see Sutton back on the ice. Maybe not his once-dominant self, but a serviceable member of this team nonetheless.
Slide 10 of 25: Taymore (Jessalyn Gilsig) is a hard-working single mom in the Calgary area. Still, she enjoys some rat hockey every now and then but does not like being put down, seemingly playfully, by the guys at the rink. So, after she brought together a group of talented women players to take on the men, Paula earned a spot on our club. She's feisty and fierce, has a solid slap shot, and is always ready to throw an opponent into the boards.
Slide 11 of 25: Even the move from Minnesota, where he was regarded as one of the best junior speed skaters in the Twin Cities, to Beverly Hills did not keep Brandon (Jason Priestley) from staying off the ice. While we did not see him at the rink often in California, when we did, Walsh was quite good. He's a solid skater, an above-average passer with excellent vision, and a strong finisher.
Slide 12 of 25: One of the youngest players on the team, Weeks is still a raw talent but he's too good to be kept off this roster. Back in Mystery, Weeks (Ryan Northcott) turned heads while "skating the river." Something that not only displays talent but strength. If there is one drawback to Weeks' overall character is that he's dating one of our coach's daughter. Let's hope that's not a distraction.
Slide 13 of 25: Just a teenager, Youngblood (Rob Lowe) is loaded with talent but needs a little fire and grit to complete his overall promise. Youngblood shined during his short time with the Hamilton Mustangs, but that was more than enough to make this team. Nobody is denying his scoring prowess, and now that he's also willing to drop the gloves if needed, Youngblood has the potential to be a star. By the way, he's also dating the daughter of another of our assistant coaches.
Slide 14 of 25: This wily veteran is a forward by trade, but John Biebe (Russell Crowe) will be shifted to defense on this team. He's getting up in age and lost some of his burst, so one of our assistant captains seems better served along the blue line. Also the town sheriff in Mystery, Biebe is considered one of the greats in the history of the "Saturday Game" and someone for the young guys on the squad to emulate.
Slide 15 of 25: "Killer" is not the most talented player on this team, but he might have the biggest heart. Carlson (Jerry Houser) is an overachiever, who has to work hard for his ice time. He's a coach's dream and will always stick up for his teammates. He's also not afraid to get into a donnybrook and shed some blood. Dave's only fault might be that he does not often wear a coat when going out to start his car during heavy storms.
Slide 16 of 25: Goldberg (Shaun Weiss) began his playing career as a goalie, so if we ever need an emergency netminder, he could be the guy. In the meantime, Goldberg is expected to be a force on defense, especially when it comes to the penalty kill. Goldberg's husky stature makes him a huge offensive obstacle in front of the net -- especially when we find ourselves in those 5-on-3 situations.
Slide 17 of 25: A towering figure in front of the net, "Tree" (Kevin Durand) has the potential to be an imposing presence. That said, "Tree" can be a little too passive at times. He does not always take advantage of his size and stature, something that will be needed on the penalty kill or late in games. Maybe it's because he's just too nice a guy who does not want to offend anybody.
Slide 18 of 25: Rhea (Liev Schreiber) is your typical hockey enforcer. He doesn't really care much about scoring and has little offensive prowess on the ice. However, he's an agitator and a brute. When we need a game to change from an emotional standpoint or light a collective fire under the team, "The Boss" is our guy. He might not be a blue-liner by trade, but this is where we'll need him.
Slide 19 of 25: Can you imagine the "Tooth Fairy" (Dwayne Johnson) standing in front of the net pushing smaller opponents away from the crease? Thompson, a cocky and ignorant enforcer, had to endure a long minor-league career before getting his shot with the Los Angeles Kings. He's a natural forward, mostly on the wing, but since we have a lack of depth on defense, we will make the switch and hope for the best.
Slide 20 of 25: It's quite possible "The Cat" (Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine) will be our No. 1 goaltender. Julie might also be the smartest player on our team, both on and off the ice. From her time with the Mighty Ducks and Team USA, we know "The Cat" is capable of coming through in the clutch. When the game is on the line and we need a big save, Gaffney is our girl.
Slide 21 of 25: Hanrahan (Christopher Murney) might not be the most dependable netminder on our roster, but we can probably use him in a pinch. He also has some apparent off-ice issues, especially regarding his wife, Suzanne. We're not sure what the relationship will be like between him and former rival-turned-teammate Reg Dunlop, but maybe they'll just need to drop the gloves in practice to settle some old scores.
Slide 22 of 25: One can stay Lemieux (Yvon Barrette) has a case of small man's syndrome. He's a hot-head, but also a bit misguided in his anger. He never really liked living and playing in Charlestown for the Chiefs, so maybe his play will improve with this team. Denis's English is getting better, so at least he's got that going for him. Lemieux is also always good for an interview when none of his teammates are available.
Slide 23 of 25: Much like his players with the Ducks, Bombay (Emilio Estevez) matured over time and became quite the successful hockey coach. He was able to take a group of overachievers and turned them into winners. Now, he will have plenty of talent to work with on this club, but we think he's fiery and strong enough to deal with all the egos. Plus, we've surrounded Bombay with a couple of veteran assistant coaches to help the process.
Slide 24 of 25: The Old Bear. Burns (Burt Reynolds) is a former "college 2A" standout, and also one of the more prominent judges in Alaska. We are apperceptive that he will devote his time to the club and assist Gordon Bombay. He can be a disciplinarian and takes an old-school approach to the game, but perhaps that's what we need to keep everybody in line. We still don't know how he feels about Stevie Weeks dating his daughter.
Slide 25 of 25: The epitome of old school. Chadwick is a hockey lifer. He's seen it all as a player and a coach. Though he enjoyed some big-time success, Chadwick (the late Ed Lauter) seems most comfortable hanging around the bus leagues. Murray demands the best of his players and does not need to be bothered by whiners or weaklings. He's a solid teacher of the game, who doesn't have much patience. He's also not a fan of Dean Youngblood going out with his daughter.
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