Leaf coaches have local flavour

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The post Randy Carlyle days have begun for the Leafs. Wednesday, Stoney Creek native Peter Horachek was named the interim head coach, and the team announced that Horachek won’t be the only Steeltown presence behind the bench.

54-year old Stoney Creek native Peter Horachek, is the next man to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs, even if it’s only on an interim basis.

It’s a role he knows well, after assuming the same position in Florida last season. He’s actually been coaching for the last 15 years — in the NHL, the AHL and the former Colonial and International leagues, where he won a Turner Cup championship with the Orlando Solar Bears in 2001.

Horachek knows how to win, and he says the Leafs have been missing one key component: “Consistency has been a big problem. So what we’re looking for is that resolve and that attitude, saying we’re going to show up every night and try to get that 60 minute hockey game.”

And at least one player, star forward Phil Kessel seems to have bought-in to that philosophy: “I’ve talked to Peter. I think we’ve got a good relationship. I’m gonna’ go as hard as I can and do whatever I can to help this team win.”

But there was more big news with a Hamilton connection today. The Leafs manager of player development, Steve Staios, will also be helping Horachek and Spott behind the bench.”

The 18-year NHL veteran and native Hamiltonian, joined the Leafs in 2012. He found it hard to contain his excitement when he spoke about getting his first opportunity to coach as an assistant, in the NHL: “To actually be getting a hand in on the game and on the situation as the play goes on. So, I’m very excited about it. It will be one of those things where the emotions get going again, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Staios believes the Leafs are now in a period of transition. And while Horachek agrees, he’s not about to make any drastic changes: “If you go in the first day and make it all about change, (you’re) gonna’ get confusion and unfocussed attitudes about what we wanted to do.”