Nottingham Panthers Director of Hockey Guillaume Doucet says Tim Wallace’s appointment as head coach ticks a lot of boxes for him.
The former Milton Keynes Lightning coach is taking over from Rick Strachan as Panthers get their preparations for the new season going.
And the ex-Sheffield Steeler was a name that stood out, according to Doucet as he spoke of his delight at landing his man.
“I’m very happy with the appointment of Tim Wallace and we looked long and hard and I believe we’ve found the best candidate that was available to us,” he told Panthers Radio.
Guillaume Doucet has made his first appointment as Director of Hockey at Nottingham Panthers (PHOTO: Al Goold)
“He brings a lot of things to the table, such as experience of the league which was important to us where we’re trying to build something that’s stable and sustainable for the future and his knowledge of the league helps that.
“His playing experience will be helpful in dealing with the league too and that was important for me. He did well as a player-coach with Milton Keynes as well and all the things I heard about him as a coach and as a person were very positive. I’m pleased to get our man.”
Wallace arrives following a troubled season with Milton Keynes Lightning, where he was dropped into the role with Ryan Lannon initially after the sacking of Doug McKay.
Although the club finished bottom of the league, Wallace saw the campaign through and his staying power was another thing that impressed Doucet as he sought to fill the vacant post.
Tim is an incredible guy on and off the ice. We will miss him and we wish him all the best for his new role. Panthers, you're lucky 🍀 to have him.
Super Timmy Wallace. See you soon ❤️.#supertim #mkl #bringonthelightning #nottinghampanthers
(Photo Em Rabb) pic.twitter.com/3GqaTX9POP
— MK Lightning Ice Hockey (@MKLightningIHC) May 30, 2019
He added: “Tim’s loyalty to Milton Keynes despite the season they were having was also something I noticed and that’s a quality you want as a head coach, someone who will stick with it all the way regardless of good or bad times.
“Credit to him and his players that they battled hard and it showed the kind of character he is and the culture he’ll bring to Nottingham.
“His knowledge and contacts also made him so attractive and he’s pro-active in recruiting and the more help we can get in identifying the right player, he’ll help us through that.
“The coaching role affects a lot of things and not just what goes on on the bench. There are things on a day to day basis and the off season to have to deal with and he ticks a lot of boxes.”
