Watch above: the Saskatoon Blades and general manager Lorne Molleken have parted ways
SASKATOON – Lorne Molleken has spent 14 years as either head coach or general manager of the Saskatoon Blades. After ten years of his latest tenure with the organization, Molleken and the Blades are parting ways.
The 57-year-old Molleken says he regrets not being able to bring a championship to the fans of Saskatoon but is proud of what he accomplished in the Bridge City.
“There are so many great memories from the hockey community, the business community, from the fans to the friends I’ve made here in Saskatoon. We’ll always call Saskatoon home,” said Molleken.
“The biggest thing is, it’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter.”
The changes don’t stop at the general manager position. After one year at the helm, head coach Dave Struch will not have his contract renewed.
“Dave had a difficult hand dealt to him,” admits Blades president Steve Hogle.
“The first year coach, a one year contract and a young team. He got a lot of mileage out of those kids. We all agree on that. We think he did a fabulous job. We would have all liked more wins at the end of the day – it’s a results oriented business.”
Struch says he’s known since January that ownership was leaning in a different direction regarding his position and is relieved it’s finally been made official.
“In the end, philosophical differences come into play,” said the 43-year-old Struch.
“We’re positive something good will come of it, whether for the players in the future here and for myself moving forward.”
The hunt for the new general manager and head coach now begins, but a hire isn’t expected prior to the bantam draft on May 1, which is the next pivotal day in the rebuild of the Saskatoon Blades.
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