Upstream With Walleye Head Coach Nick Vitucci #4
If you'd like to submit a question for Coach Vitucci please fill out our form. Check back to www.toledowalleye.com often to see if Nick answers your question!
Are you going to have any open tryouts? Thanks – Matthew Andrews (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada)
It is undecided as to whether we will have an open tryout or not. A few years ago we experimented with an open tryout with the Storm and, to be honest, it wasn’t a great success. The ECHL rules at the time stated that all training camps had to start on Oct 1st. Due to the lack of ice time in the city we had to combine our open tryout with our main camp. As you can expect, there were a lot of players at the open tryout that were long on heart, but didn’t have the ability to compete on the same ice as the professional players. The result was a few days of lackluster performances by all.
I certainly understand there are a lot of people who desire to play at the professional level. Hopefully we can do a separate open tryout and select a few to participate in our main camp and compete for a position with the Walleye. Prospective players should know that the ECHL is a high talent league – many college and Major Junior Hockey League players still lack the talent to play in our league. That being said, we are a ways off from making any decisions about an open tryout. When the ECHL sets 2009 training camp dates we’ll have more information about a potential open tryout.
What’s a normal day like for a hockey coach? – Cory (Bowling Green, OH)
A normal day in the season starts with a big cup of Tim Horton’s coffee. From there, I get together with my assistant coach at the rink and finalize our practice plan - which we would have drawn up the day before. I would make sure my equipment manager is aware of the day’s line combinations so he can have their practice jerseys in order. We have a brief meeting with the players to explain what’s in store for the day. Then it’s on to the ice for practice. After practice we will speak with some players individually to discuss their performance and expectations. During the afternoon is when I get my administrative stuff done. I’ll check in with our affiliates to see what needs or thoughts they may have with our players. I’ll call agents and other coaches to see what types of trades are being made or to discuss certain player’s availability. I complete necessary team paperwork to the ECHL and look into our next road trip and what arrangements (per diem money, hotels, buses, departure and arrival times, etc.) will be needed. I’ll also check with my bosses to see if there is anything needed from a public relations standpoint (player appearances, radio shows, television interviews, etc).
How do you balance the travel requirements of being a hockey coach with your family life? Does your family ever travel with the team? – Brian (Tiffin, OH)
At times the travel can certainly be tough on my family. I’m looking forward to the fact that my son Keegan is getting to be of age where I’ll be able to take him on some road trips. Although our travel is extensive, there are really only a few trips where we stay on the road for more then 3-4 days at a time, so it’s not too bad. The offseason is nice, as the majority of our work is done in town.
Nick, let me start by saying you were one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play in Toledo. I miss watching you play. Being a former goaltender, would you say you’ll focus heavy on goaltending when putting the team together? - Jim Devlin (Toledo)
Jim, thanks for the kind words. Although I feel that goaltending is the most important position out there I would have to say that my focus is on overall team defense. Obviously the goaltender falls into that category, but I feel if you can put together a good combination of tough, physical puck-moving defensemen who make it hard for your opponent to generate offense - and combine that with two good goaltenders - you will give your team a chance to win every night. Don’t get me wrong, I feel the forwards are as of much importance as the defensemen and goaltenders - but from a building standpoint, if we can solidify our defense and goaltending we should be in decent shape.
Coach, have you made any decisions regarding assistant coaches? – Chuck Schultz (Maumee)
Thanks for the Question, Chuck. Currently we are looking into a number of different options for the assistant coaching positions. As the Head Coach, I’ve been very fortunate to have people like Tony MacAulay, Stan Drulia, and Rick Judson to work with. They all have been good friends and honest workers. I’ve been able to learn a lot from these people – as they all played different positions then I did.
What ever became of the zamboni from the Sports Arena? – Linda Gleason (Maumee)
Great question, as I’m an avid collector of hockey memorabilia. From my understanding, Mr. Gladieux has it put away in storage. Hopefully it can be displayed at some point in the new arena as it such an integral piece of Toledo hockey history.
Are you watching the Olympics at all? What’s your favorite sport? What Olympian do you think would make a good hockey player? – Alan (Toledo)
I haven’t watched too much of the Olympics but I’ve caught the highlights on SportsCenter. As you can imagine, I’m a much bigger fan of the Winter Olympics then I am the Summer Olympics. The one sport in the Summer Olympics that I really enjoy is the biking on that indoor track. I think that any pure athlete, if given the right opportunities and training at an early age, can compete in almost any sport if they have a good work ethic and a passion for what they’re doing. As for a current 2008 Olympian that I’d take on my team? Obviously, Michael Phelps could fill a spot on our roster if he wanted to try his hand at hockey.
Ask The Coach
If you'd like to submit a question for Coach Vitucci please fill out our form. Check back to www.toledowalleye.com often to see if Nick answers your question!
