Manchester Storm interim boss Mike Morin insists he needs everyone pulling in the same direction if they want to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Morin was placed in charge on an interim basis following the departure of Mike Flanagan earlier this week.
The club announced a mutual termination of Flanagan’s contract, after a difficult start to the season saw them pick up just four wins from their opening 14 league games.
His final game in charge was a 6-4 Challenge Cup defeat to Coventry Blaze last Sunday.
Morin, who has been involved with the club in various capacities since joining as a player during the 1996/97 season, has been handed the reins while a permanent successor is found.
His first game in charge will come away at Glasgow Clan – the side immediately above the Storm in the Elite League standings – on Friday night.
“I’ve been here for a long time and seen a lot of comings and goings,” he said.
“This club is part of the fabric of my life, and it’s an opportunity to do something a little different and turn some stuff around.
“I said to the guys last night, ‘I don’t have a magic wand, but our baseline is going to be hard work’.
“We’re going to get back to some basic hockey skill and philosophies and see what happens. We’re all in this together.
“I may be at the top of the bench, but it’s a team effort.”
The Mike Morin philosophy
Photo credit: Manchester Storm
Even after hanging up the skates in 2003/04, Morin remained in Greater Manchester.
Soon after the club’s return in 2015, Morin was installed as assistant to Omar Pacha.
The club went on to bestow upon him the highest honour in ice hockey, retiring his number 15 jersey the following season.
Despite having legendary status in the region, Morin understands that his latest role will be determined by an improvement in on-ice performance, rather than his previous achievements.
When asked about his coaching philosophy, Morin added: “It’s myself and 21 guys. We’re going to be standing together.
“The philosophy is going to include a democratic, decision-making process. We’re going to throw some stuff around, and I’ll talk to the senior guys.
“There’ll be some system changes, and it won’t be me making all of the decisions. We’re going to do what everybody feels comfortable with, then we’ll implement it, work on things and get it right.
“Things aren’t going to change overnight. We’re going to try and bring back what people expect from us, which is a hard-working, 60-minute team.
“With the group that we’ve got, I won’t have to push too hard. They just need a little push in the right direction.”
READ MORE:
