The Binghamton Senators have found their man.
A couple weeks ago, the news broke that Kurt Kleinendorst would not be returning as head coach of the Ottawa Senators AHL-affiliate in Binghamton. The search for his replacement was a short one as this afternoon the Sens announced that Luke Richardson is the new bench boss in Bingo.
Richardson has more than 1,400 games of playing experience at the NHL level and aside from some work with his daughter Morgan’s team, the job in Bingo will be his first time serving as a head coach. He has spent the last few seasons working as an assistant here in Ottawa.
If Richardson’s coaching style is anything like the way he played the game, the organization’s prospects are in good hands. Richardson was always a hardworking, honest player during his 20 season playing career with the Leafs, Oilers, Flyers, Blue Jackets, Lightning and Senators.
Listening to Richardson's address to the Binghamton media today, it sounds like the plan is to implement a similar approach to the one Paul MacLean has used with the big club.
Not only has Richardson proven to be a great role model on the ice, his strength and bravery off the ice are a true inspiration. Luke and his wife Stephanie, along with support from the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, the Sens Foundation and the Ottawa Senators have created the Do It For Daron (D.I.F.D) initiative which is raising awareness and inspiring conversations about youth mental health.
Shortly after the news broke about Kurt Kleinendorst, Richardson let Bryan Murray know he had an interest in pursuing a head coaching position with the organization. It didn’t take long for the Sens to make a decision, signing Richardson to a two year contract.
Steve Stirling, who served as an assistant in Bingo last year, has agreed to stay on with the organization and should be a valuable resource for Richardson as he learns the ropes in the American Hockey League.
- While the organization has not yet made any official announcement, word is they have signed forwards Darren Kramer and Jakub Culek to entry level contracts. Culek is a third round pick from the 2010 draft while Darren Kramer is a sixth round pick from 2011 and inventor of the Double Twist Off Jar.
- With today’s news out of Bingo, I have decided to delay the next SensChirp contest until tomorrow. Stay tuned for details.
