I had the good fortune of running into Dale Derkatch today. To say it was good fortune might even be an understatement.
In the short time I've known the Pats legendary sniper, its truly been a treat every time I get to speak with him. And today was no exception, although its only been days his dismissal.
Derkatch very politely guarded his words when speaking about his one year at the helm of the Pats. He seems far to distinguished to try and sewer his former employers. He did however express that he doesn't believe that the Pats demise this season was solely his fault.
He says, "I only know one way" and "I've had success wherever I've been". Now, no question Dale is a determined individual who has one focus, to win. He did although allude to the fact that when things started to go south for the Queen City kids there may have been a difference in philosophy between he and some others in the organization.
Derkatch seemed as though he may not be all that disappointed about his dismissal considering that he maybe wasn't seeing eye to eye on the plan for the club with others. Of course he wouldn't name names as to who he was referring, he remains above slinging mud.
In the short time he's been unemployed he says that he has already been approached by a few different people about 'things'...He wouldn't commit to where and when he may resurface but did sound optimistic that it would involve hockey at some level.
Derkatch also mentioned how he was proud of Notre Dame and their Telus Cup victory, a tournament that he himself attended in Selkirk to soak in a couple of games.
A real treat to my day to run into one of the good guys that no matter how good it was going for the Pats this year, would also make himself available for a chat.
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I have the utmost respect for dale from when he was a player and respect him as an individual, as a coach thats another story. I believe he lost control of the room and could not get thru to the kids. he was in over his head. Bottom line is it's all about winning and when a team isn't winning, the buck stops there. I do wish he would have stepped up and admitted he didn't get the job done because I would even have more respect for him if he did.
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