Fiddler calls Desjardins 'great motivator'

The Vancouver Province indicates Texas Stars bench boss Willie Desjardins may have what it takes to become the next head coach of the Canucks.

34-year-old forward Vern Fiddler shares his thoughts on his former assistant coach from their time together in Dallas.

“He’s a great motivator and he knows how to find the best in every player — that’s why he’s been so successful,” said Fiddler of Desjardins. “One of the biggest things I noticed is that he really cares about everybody and he knows that everybody is different. I was in the league for six or seven years and he still found a way to get more out of you. Even as an assistant coach, he was a guy who would push you to different levels and I definitely found that guys respected him for that.”

Fiddler also pointed out, “You obviously have to turn to your room sometimes and he did a great job with that. He respected our opinions, and when he was running our penalty kill, he would definitely consider them. He didn’t have an ego that it was going to be his way or no way. It was always the collective of what can we do to be better? He did what was best and wants to be an NHL head coach. You’ve seen what he’s done with that (AHL) team. He’s taken them from the bottom of the barrel to the top now — and he’s getting the success he deserves.”

Source: Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province