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“Gulls Coach Goes to the NHL”

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Dallas Eakins is leaving the San Diego Gulls after four successful years, to take over as head coach of the troubled Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

Ducks GM-Bob Murray ended a methodical 3-month search for a head coach. Eakins showed exceptional patience waiting and wondering if he would get the offer. It worked out for both.

Both had lots to say at Monday’s NHL press conference.

Bob Murray-GM

..The experience I had working with Dallas over 4-years was the key.
..I saw Dallas as a player with the Chicago Wolves at the end of his career. He was teaching young players then
..He developed players while he was head coach of the Toronto Marlies.
..16 players he had with the Gulls have played a lot for us in Anaheim.
..His players always competed.
..He does not accept losing
..He likes to win

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Dallas Eakins

..I am humbled to get this position.
..We had a commitment to excellence in San Diego
..I say thank you to the fans
..San Diego fans set the bar high for the rest of the AHL
..210-players came thru out dressing room in 4-years in San Diego
..The Ducks have had incredible success on the ice and in the community in Anaheim.
..I am strong and I am fierce.
..This is different than when I was in Edmonton, where we started from scratch. I know these players here. We’re not starting over.
..We will work hard…hardness gets things done.
..Being in the playoffs with these young players makes them better
..I have a familiarness with lots of this roster
..The Ducks are headed to transition with talent-we will win
..I want a leadership group that will develop an identity
..I honor player’s work ethic. I want them to enjoy competing.
..I want them to ‘get to the rink’ to enjoy, not just ‘go to the rink’
..We want to play hard first. Be hard to play against too.
..I want relentless, skill, speed.
..We will play fast with the puck and play fast to get the puck back
..I want a group that will be inspired by competition
..We will be organized with the puck, when we get it back, when we attack.
..Edmonton-looking back..a challenging time..but I learned to put my head down and get better every day.
..I inherit a roster and that should speed up the process…these players know my expectations..my workouts..my values…how I want them to live their life.
..This is not my team….it’s our team..our organization.

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