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New Bears coach Kim is ready to address expectations positively | theahl.com

Patrick Williamstheahl.com writer


Derek King It will admit that he has very little connection with the Hershey Bears before becoming the team's 29th head coach this week.

But at least from a distance, Kim knew Hershey's representative.

“I feel like this is the 33rd NHL team, it's like a primitive six teams. I'm excited and honored that they think I can take the helm and compete with it. Anyone lends a hand with me, and that's all they're talking about: where to get a coaching job.”

King also came to Hershey with three key relationships that would set anyone apart from Bears fans. Vice President of Hockey Operations Bryan HelmerShortly after being a teammate with the St. Louis Blues, seeing him as the ideal fit. Former Bears head coach Todd Nelson Has been a player/assistant coach in Grand Rapids. And former Captain Bear Garrett Mitchell Playing for King with Rockford Icehogs. In fact, it was Mitchell, a fanatical, passionate drama for the Bears, and his compliments to Hershey helped encourage King to apply for a coaching vacancies this summer.

So while King and Bears fans are largely unfamiliar with each other, a common connection is a meaningful first step for both parties. What fans know is that they are getting a head coach for Al Arbor,,,,, Paul Maurice,,,,, Pat Quinn and Joel Quenneville Before entering the coach. He spent nine seasons with the Blackhawks, working as an assistant and head coach at Rockford, then as interim head coach and later as an assistant in Chicago. He also worked as an assistant in Toronto Marlies for six years.

King sent a text message to Mitchell when Hershey Post went public after Nelson headed to Pittsburgh in June. Encouraged by Mitchell, King contacted Helmer and the selection process began to unfold. The mission of Helmer and Washington Capitals Management began to organize a long list of candidates, and as King's candidacy began to gain momentum, he spoke with the CAPS General Manager Chris Patrickhead coach Spencer Carbery and the director of hockey operations Jason Fitzsimmons.

Hershey's three head coaches – Caberley, Capital Assistant Scott AllenNelson – Now everyone is in NHL jobs. The organization has proven ability to graduate coaches to the NHL, which means King faces a strong pool of candidates.

“It's not easy there,” King admits. “There are a lot of good candidates.”

But soon, as the two sides talk further, the comfort level began to occupy.

“I feel so comfortable talking to these guys,” King said. “How comfortable they make you feel. There is no tip around. Everyone welcomes everyone with open arms.”

There are several different moods on Wednesday’s media conference introducing the King. As you feel, it also marks the next step for the Bears as they prepare for Season 21 with Washington, which won five Calder Cup titles.

Much of the core of the club that won the Calder Cup in 2023 and 2024 is scattered at various points around hockey. The Kings bears will be young and hungry, which should be combined with the coach's communication skills, straightforward manners and player-friendly approaches.

“The biggest thing for me is that I'm an honest person,” King said. “I'm fair. I have an open policy. I want players to work hard and stay humble.”

King gained extensive experience working with young players from Rockford and Chicago. The Capital and the Bear need a leader with strong teaching skills and stable hands. They also ensure continuity by bringing back the assistant coach Nick Bootland and Patrick Wellar – Helmer thinks it's a lucky break because he expects both of them to land their own jobs.

“We think Derek is the guy who can adapt and take over from Todd Nelson,” Helmer explained. “I think he'll fit.”

While the Bears will be cycling among a new group of prospects in October, Hershey still has a constant: fans want a contender.

“That’s one thing we told Derek right away,” Helmer said. “The pressure will be here and our fans hope we will win the Calder Cup every year.”

King can also do that kind of pressure, or even doubles the expectations of these.

“Obviously, there's a success here,” King said. “I'm not going to come in and throw elbows and change everything. I'm here to help build it and even get better. I'm going to treat this like the NHL team.”

“I know the Bears won (Calder Cup), which is great. But now is the time to win the game again.”



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