Eakins wants to inspire Adler players to top performances
New coach Dallas Eakins finds it encouraging that the players of Adler Mannheim, who are struggling in the German Ice Hockey League, are dealing with the crisis after the dismissal of coach Johan Lundskog and sports manager Jan-Axel Alavaara. "They are really dealing with the situation, they want to change something. It was very emotional," said the new coach on Wednesday evening at his official presentation about his first impressions.
First and foremost, he is not interested in changing the system, said the 56-year-old US-American. "It's about confidence. It's about consistency and making the negativity disappear. If you have question marks in your head, then you're not ready for the next opportunity," he said. "I want to create an environment that inspires others to perform at their best."
Eakins most recently worked in the North American professional league NHL and succeeds Lundskog, who was released on Monday and only came to Mannheim this summer. "We have experienced an unprecedented slump over the past four to six weeks," said Adler boss. "The future starts today, tomorrow at the latest."
Eakins will already make his debut on Thursday (19.00/Magenta Sport) in the south-west duel at the Schwenninger Wild Wings. "I would have liked more time, but now we're jumping in at the deep end," he said.
Eakins expressed his desire to create an environment that inspires the Adler Mannheim players to perform at their best in the German Ice Hockey League. In his debut on Thursday, he will face the Schwenninger Wild Wings, as Mannheim strives to improve their league position following a recent slump.
Source: www.dpa.com
