SEATTLE — Seattle hockey fans are left watching the playoffs on TV this year — after a losing season and a sixth-place finish in the standings.
For fans like Derek Chang, the mission for new coach, Dan Bylsma, is simple. The Seattle Kraken announced Bylsma as the new head coach on Tuesday, May 28.
"We want to win right now," Chang said. "I think it's good news for the Kraken. He's experienced, probably just what they need. They took a step back last year and need somebody to bring them forward."
As he walks into his first press conference as the Kraken's new head coach, Bylsma has huge expectations.
He inherits a team that made a surprising playoff run two seasons ago, but finished with a losing record this year. One of the things fans said they like most about Bylsma is his familiarity with the program.
He is currently coaching Seattle's AHL affiliate Coachella Valley — making it to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.
"I'm very excited. I think it's a great hire for us. Dan has a familiarity with our prospects," said fan Paul Buxton. "It's a very exciting day for us."
KJR radio Kraken hockey analyst Mike Benton said Bylsma is setting Seattle up well for the future.
"There was a much higher priority in establishing relationships with his players in that Coachella Valley dressing room where he can build trust with them and they're ready to run through a wall for him, as well," said Benton. "Ultimately, they're looking for someone who can be the next in line to help a lot of the young players who could be here for a long, long time and take that next step."
But first, Bylsma has another team to tend to. He'll be back in the coaching box Wednesday night leading Coachella Valley in the AHL playoffs.