Team makes front office changes.

The Oshawa Generals Hockey Club announced today that they have made the decision to not renew the contracts of Assistant General Manager and Associate Coach Rich Ricci, Assistant Coach Randy Fitzgerald, and Goaltending Coach Ron Tugnutt.

Rich, Randy and Ron are all quality individuals and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

I don't understand this decision at all. Well maybe the assistant GM cause we have Graves and Debouer. But unless one of them is taking over some bench duties as well, and who will be better then Tugnutt as a mentor to the goalies that we can actually get.

I'd have given them all 1 year extensions since theres a good chance that there will be more changes after this season if Dipps doesn't right the ship.

I hate to be a critic but how well did our goalies do last year? Tugnutt was a great goalie and I'm sure he's a quality individual but the goaltending wasn't great last year and that loss of confidence between the pipes filtered outward. I'd assume by making that move, they have somebody else in mind. The danger is of course that it would be really difficult for somebody to try and get goalies that are turning 19 to suddenly start from scratch with a new philosophy. I'd question this move from that standpoint. The best time to get a new goalie coach is when you have a young goalie to develop. We'll see how it works out.

Sources on the Petes' site say Tugnutt is headed there as their goaltending coach under GM Dave Reid and whomever he selects as head coach.

makes sense why we didn't draft his kid in the later rounds I guess

Finally, the owners get it. Considering Tugs is a friend of Adam it is nice to see the owners mean business, friendship aside. I like where this team is heading. The owners are showing they are serious in rebuilding.

wait and see who they hire first lol could get worse rather then better

What a pessimist!

I think this move will setup the next one, this is only a guess.
Dips will have his coaching tittle removed and just have the GM
then a coach will be hired and he will be able to pick his coaching staff, Just my opinion, We will find out soon.
this is an intresting move as Dips & Ricci go back to working together St Michel Buzzer days.Rob Snopk said on the news this morning that they are speculations for the replacements but thats was it. did any one hear anything who will be the replacements

PS:Boy are the webmaster is fast pictures are gone from site already

archer_gens wrote:The Oshawa Generals Hockey Club announced today that they have made the decision to not renew the contracts of Assistant General Manager and Associate Coach Rich Ricci, Assistant Coach Randy Fitzgerald, and Goaltending Coach Ron Tugnutt.

This is no big loss. I am sure we will get improvements moving forward.

Wow - GREAT NEWS - DIPS next move is GM

This sets up for new coach and bench coaches as the past group

didn't impress - for all Tugnutt was he did not help our goalies or the Team Canada goalies

The news just gets better - I like it

Every head coach usually picks his coaches - So the new coach will pick his

Well it didn't take long to fill the vacancies

The Oshawa Generals are pleased to announce that the coaching staff has been restructured for the upcoming 2010-2011 season.

The Generals have named Joe Cirella as Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach and Roger Hunt as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Personnel.

Joe Cirella, a Generals Alumni as both a player and an Assistant Coach, joins the team after spending the last 6 seasons coaching in the Whitby Minor Hockey system. Prior to that, Joe was the Assistant Coach with the Generals from 1998 to 2004 and has over 15 years playing experience in the NHL.

Roger Hunt, recently completed his 1st season as an Assistant Coach with the Milton Icehawks Junior A team. Prior to that, Roger was Head Coach for 8 seasons with the Dundee Stars of the EIHL in Great Britain.&nbs p; Roger has also served as Head Coach twice and Assistant Coach four times for the Great Britain National Junior Team.

Both Joe and Roger will formally be announced at a press conference on Friday, May 14th at 10:00 AM.

You can see General Manager and Head Coach, Chris DePiero alongside Joe Cirella, Roger Hunt and our 2010 draft picks on Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th at our Orientation Camp, FANfest and Award Ceremony.

Welcome back - Joe - nice to see an ex GEN back in the fold

Well as Roger Hunt goes - the verdict is out as we are not familiar

hopefully not a Sellwood recommend

Gens Camper wrote:Welcome back - Joe - nice to see an ex GEN back in the fold

Well as Roger Hunt goes - the verdict is out as we are not familiar

hopefully not a Sellwood recommend

I'm pretty sure he is no longer in the fold.

Here is more than likely why Roger Hunt is an assistant for the Gens


Roger Hunt as an assistant coach and director of player personnel. He spent many seasons coaching in the British Elite League before spending 2009-10 as an assistant with the Tier 2 Milton Icehawks. Hunt hails from Dunville, and likely has a connection to Generals part-owner Peter DeBoer, who also hails from Dunnville

Nice to see Joe back with us, hated it when he was with the Petes. The owners are heading in the right direction, acquiring a true defensive coach/consultant. This sends a message to the league Oshawa is building and has its eyes open!

Like most of you I don't know much of Hunt...but nice to see Joe back with the good guys. I've always liked him

The axing of R. Ricci was definitely NOT approved by Dips. They have been 'joined at the hip' for years and the best of buddy buddies. More of a 'hanger on' and no great loss. I doubt that Dips initiated any of these changes. IMO a sure sign that Dips is on a very short leash and may not last 'till Xmas if the Gens are slow out of the gate. He best not experience any of those famous 10 game losing skids (or blowouts) he is famous for - or he will be back with the Buzzard's before u can say 'Smellwood!

Funny thing though Dips SIGNS A 1 YEAR EXTENSION then told he has to fire his best friend . Question . Would you sign a 1 year extension knowing their cleaning house all around you !!!!!!Xmas may come early for DIPS and not merry

depends on your options