I predict a big failure. You can't coach effectively without being able to communicate effectively with players. There is a good reason all head coaches in NHL are English (or French-English) speakers. Only three Metallurg players are English speakers . Even though some players may have basic language knowledge, this will not be enough for Keenan to become an effective coach. The argument of Russian players getting by fine in NHL is not that valid. They are young and learn quick from their teammates simply by being here. It is going to be quite a different learning process for Keenan over there. Plus, based on what Warrener said on the radio, Keenan acts really nasty with non-star players, which is not going to make him well–liked.
All of the above could be irrelevant, as I heard that KHL team owners often try to bring big names just for bragging rights, which might be the case here too, of course.
There is a good reason all head coaches in NHL are English (or French-English) speakers.
There is, but it has nothing to do with language and everything to do with Canada producing all the coaches the NHL needs (and then some), and tradition/prejudice.
NA coaches are old news in the KHL, like I would guess in most leagues around Europe. Keenan is actually replacing Paul Maurice.
Over the years some other NA coaches who have worked in the KHL are Glen Hanlon, Barry Smith and Dave King. A whole bunch of Finns too. (Jukka Jalonen for example, the guy who right now coaches Team Finland.)
As to coaches getting nasty, Keenan has nothing on Raimo Summanen, the guy who famously challenged Jagr to a fight in the dressing room. Summanen will propably be back in the KHL next season.
Yeah, I hear you. Still, a good coach needs to get through to a player by talking, saying what needs to be said for each player, individually and for the team, collectively. Kinda tough to do through a translator.
As for Keenan's nastiness, he wasn't much of a hothead but rather a manipulator according to Warrener, especially with younger players, humiliating them in front of others etc.
Yeah, I hear you. Still, a good coach needs to get through to a player by talking, saying what needs to be said for each player, individually and for the team, collectively. Kinda tough to do through a translator.
Nah. They've already had an English speaking head coach in that very team for a year, I'm sure he'll be fine. Many others have done equally well.
Communicating over language barriers is more of an attitude thing anyway.
Also, you can learn Russia. He's not going to be the guy holding motivational speeches any time soon if he's starting now, but in a lot of teams that the captains job anyway.
From what I've heard so far, KHL players enjoy a divine status with both the team owners and fans. Unbelievably expensive gifts like Range Rovers for the entire team (real thing, actually) are not uncommon for a series or a season well played. This is not USSR anymore, and Tikhonov-style coaching is no longer a reality in Russian hockey. Time will tell, I guess. I'd be very surprised if Keenan lasts long over there.
