“Roping In the Competition: The Halifax Mooseheads’ Battle for Division Supremacy”
**AHL Team Calgary Wranglers Suffers Coaching Shuffle Amidst Strong Season Start**
The American Hockey League’s (AHL) Calgary Wranglers have been one of the top-performing teams in the league this season, boasting a record of 20-9-1-0 and a league-high 41 points. However, their winning streak was disrupted by the departure of head coach Trent Carr, who left to join the NHL’s Calgary Flames as an interim assistant coach. To fill the void, Joe Cirella, a long-time assistant coach with the Wranglers and the Calgary Flames’ affiliate, has taken over as the interim head coach.
Cirella’s Role in the Calgary Wranglers Organization
Cirella’s background in the hockey industry spans over 23 seasons, including stints as an assistant coach in the AHL, NHL, and Ontario Hockey League. Before joining the Wranglers, he spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers. During his tenure, he worked closely with the team’s players, helping them develop into NHL talent. Some of his notable contributions include sending players like Dustin Wolfe, Oliver Kylington, Matt Coronato, Ryan McKee, Martin Pospisil, Andrew Mangiapane, Justin Kirkland, and Connor Zary to the NHL.
“Hopefully we can continue to develop kids like we did before and make them better players for our home team,” Cirella said in an interview with WranglersTV after Sunday’s game.
Team Roster and Scheduling Changes
The Wranglers are still missing defenders Jonathan Aspiro, who represented Canada in the Spengler Cup tournament in Switzerland, and forwards Walker CoCo Doctor and Jacob Pelletier, who were recalled by the Flames after the Christmas break.
The team’s current scheduling change also includes a resolution from the long break they had before the holiday. They will resume their schedule against the Abbotsford Canucks on Monday, a game that will help alleviate any post-holiday rust and provide an opportunity to readjust their momentum.
Cirella’s Task Ahead
As the new interim head coach, Cirella faces the challenge of maintaining the Wranglers’ strong start to the season. The team has been third in the league in terms of points, and their defense has been bolstered by their .683 field goal percentage, second only to the Toronto Marlies.
Key Statistics
* 20-9-1-0 record
* 41 points, league-high
* .683 field goal percentage, second in the league
* 4-game losing streak before the holidays
Future Outlook
The Wranglers’ coach change will undoubtedly be a test of the team’s cohesion and resilience. Cirella’s guidance and expertise will be crucial in maintaining the Wranglers’ place among the league’s top teams. With their strong start to the season and Cirella’s experience, the Wranglers are poised to continue their winning ways.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
Q: Who is the new interim head coach of the Calgary Wranglers?
A: Joe Cirella
Q: Why did Trent Carr leave the Wranglers?
A: Carr was named an interim assistant coach with the NHL club “for the foreseeable future” due to family reasons.
Q: What is Joe Cirella’s background in the hockey industry?
A: Cirella has 23 seasons of experience as an assistant coach in the AHL, NHL, and Ontario Hockey League.
Q: What are some of the notable players developed by Joe Cirella during his time with the Wranglers?
A: Players like Dustin Wolfe, Oliver Kylington, Matt Coronato, Ryan McKee, Martin Pospisil, Andrew Mangiapane, Justin Kirkland, and Connor Zary were developed under Cirella’s guidance and were sent to the NHL.
Q: Will Cirella be able to maintain the Wranglers’ strong start to the season?
A: Yes, with his experience and expertise, Cirella is well-poised to continue the Wranglers’ winning ways.
The future of the Calgary Wranglers is bright, and with Cirella at the helm, the team is sure to continue their remarkable season.
