Rick Tocchet Releases Statement Explaining Why He's Leaving the Vancouver Canucks
Photo credit: Canucks Daily
Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has released a statement on Tuesday afternoon after his departure following parts of three seasons behind the bench.
The Rick Tocchet era in Vancouver is officially over after it it was revealed by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that he would not be returning to the organization next season.
In a press release on the team's website, they confirmed the departure of Rick Tocchet and thanked him for his contributions as their bench boss since joining them in January 2023.
Rick Tocchet releases statement on departure from Vancouver Canucks
Following the announcement, Rick Tocchet released a statement on his departure from the Vancouver Canucks, saying it was his decision to move on and he felt it was the right time to pursue other opportunities in the game of hockey.
Tocchet went on to thank Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini, the team's management staff of Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin, the players he was able to coach during his tenure, his fellow coaches on the bench, the media and of course, the fan base.
"I'm choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks. Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. While I don't know where I'm headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right time for me to explore other opportunities in and around hockey.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Vancouver Canucks organization, starting with Francesco and Luigi Aquilini, Jim Rutherford, and Patrik Allvin. It's been a pleasure and great learning experience to work with you all.
To the players - thank you. Regardless of our results, I always felt your heart and effort was there. I was honoured to be your coach.
To the coaching staff and support staff - you guys are first class, and you made it easy and enjoyable to come to work every day.
Thank you for everything you give to help make the team a success.
To the media, I appreciate your work and your diligence, your easy - and your difficult - questions. You guys do a great job, thank you.
And to the Canucks fans - your infectious spirit, loyal commitment and will to win kept me and the entire team on our toes. I appreciate how you have made yourselves a driving force in the Canucks community.
I've enjoyed my time here, and I wish everyone the best." Tocchet said.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Vancouver Canucks organization, starting with Francesco and Luigi Aquilini, Jim Rutherford, and Patrik Allvin. It's been a pleasure and great learning experience to work with you all.
To the players - thank you. Regardless of our results, I always felt your heart and effort was there. I was honoured to be your coach.
To the coaching staff and support staff - you guys are first class, and you made it easy and enjoyable to come to work every day.
Thank you for everything you give to help make the team a success.
To the media, I appreciate your work and your diligence, your easy - and your difficult - questions. You guys do a great job, thank you.
And to the Canucks fans - your infectious spirit, loyal commitment and will to win kept me and the entire team on our toes. I appreciate how you have made yourselves a driving force in the Canucks community.
I've enjoyed my time here, and I wish everyone the best." Tocchet said.
In the last couple of weeks, the Vancouver Canucks and Rick Tocchet met to discuss a potential contract extension, with Jim Rutherford telling reporters last Monday during the team's season-ending media availability that they made an offer to him that would've made the 61-year-old the highest-paid coach in franchise history.
During his time with the Vancouver Canucks, Rick Tocchet coached 200 games in the regular season where he had a 108-65-27 record, helping the club win a Pacific Division title in 2023-24 and reach the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Source: Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks Announce Rick Tocchet Will Not Return as Head Coach
Vancouver Canucks Announce Rick Tocchet Will Not Return as Head Coach
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