Avalanche Name Greg Sherman GM; Relieve Granato and Coaching Staff

[Thrillhouse]

Colorado Avalanche President Pierre Lacroix announced today a new management structure for the organization, effective immediately. The club also announced today that the organization has relieved six members of its hockey operations staff from their respective duties.

The list includes head coach Tony Granato, assistant coaches Jacques Cloutier and Dave Barr, goaltending coach Jeff Hackett, Assistant to the General Manager Michel Goulet and video coordinator PJ DeLuca.

Heading this new management structure is Greg Sherman, who has been named General Manager. Sherman, 39, has spent the last seven years as the team’s Assistant General Manager, and has been associated with the franchise for the last 13 years.

“Greg Sherman deserves the opportunity to prove he can be an effective general manager in our business,” said Lacroix. “He has shown that he possesses the necessary qualities required to be successful with this new challenge in front of him.”

“Surrounded by a strong hockey staff and under my supervision, he will have all the necessary support to lead the Avalanche in this new direction,” added Lacroix.

In his previous role, Sherman worked on contract negotiations, arbitration cases, salary cap management and matters concerning personnel at all levels of the organization. In addition, Sherman also served as a liaison between the Avalanche and its American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. He oversaw and coordinated all financial obligations of both clubs. Born in Scranton, Pa., Sherman was raised in Denver and has spent most of his life in Colorado.

“I look forward to the challenge,” said Sherman. “We all know the task ahead and we need to get to work. There are a lot of things to be done here. I am surrounded by a group that has great knowledge of the business and we are looking towards the future with a lot of optimism. Our fans can rest assured that every effort will be taken to bring an exciting brand of hockey back to Pepsi Center.”

The Avalanche today also appointed Craig Billington as Vice President of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager. Billington, 42, will work closely with Sherman in running the day-to-day operations of the franchise. The London, Ontario native has been a part of the Avalanche front office for the past six years, starting as the club’s goaltending consultant before being named Director of Player Development. He added the title of vice president in the summer of 2008. In his previous role, the former Avalanche goaltender oversaw each of the major junior, college and minor league prospects throughout the organization.

Overseeing the Avalanche’s prospects will now be David Oliver, who was named Director of Player Development. Oliver, 38, will continue to serve as general manager of Colorado’s AHL affiliate, which he has done since the Monsters’ inaugural season of 2007-08.

In addition, Brad Smith, the team’s Director of Player Personnel, will have a more active role in personnel decisions and has the task of managing the Avalanche’s depth chart. The club also announced the hiring of Eric Lacroix as Director of Hockey Operations. Lacroix, 37, spent last year as a pro scout with the Phoenix Coyotes after serving as co-owner/assistant coach for the Arizona Sundogs, who captured the 2008 Ray Miron President’s Cup title as Central Hockey League champions. Prior to his three seasons with the Sundogs, the former Avalanche forward worked four years in the Avalanche’s hockey operations department. Rick Pracey, Director of Amateur Scouting, will continue to oversee the team’s scouting efforts as it heads into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft later this month.

[blades29]

Looks like they cleaned house!

I don't know much about Greg Sherman, other than what was stated in this thread. Hopefully things can be done to improve the Avs... we all know they need it!

[BrianTheAdsFan]

“Surrounded by a strong hockey staff and under my supervision, he will have all the necessary support to lead the Avalanche in this new direction,” added Lacroix.

Sherman as Asst GM to GM...LaCcoix GM to President...

If they don't hire a decent coach, I don't see this as being all that much of a change if their philosophies remain the same.

[Ciccarelli]

Looks like the end of the french-era for the Avs. They finally have nothing to do anymore with the Nordiques and the french-canadian team officials are pretty much gone...

[jkidd]

Originally Posted by BrianTheAdsFan

“Surrounded by a strong hockey staff and under my supervision, he will have all the necessary support to lead the Avalanche in this new direction,” added Lacroix.

Sherman as Asst GM to GM...LaCcoix GM to President...

If they don't hire a decent coach, I don't see this as being all that much of a change if their philosophies remain the same.

My thoughts exactly.

What's the point to "cleaning house" and bringing in a whole new coaching staff... if the same eyes are going to be looking over the franchise? One of the guys that helped make all the moves, that has led to the mess the Avs are in? Normally, if you want to gut a franchise and start over, aren't you supposed to bring in a whole different management crew with fresh eyes, fresh ideas and start over?

[Habs # 1]

It's a start... there is more work to be done but there headed in the right direction... we shall see.

Wonder what Roy is thinking right now...

[Mclaren14]

im not sure if peter laviolette is coaching anywhere, but i would love 2 see him go to colorado, he was a very good coach in carolina and basically got the **** end of the stick

[AVALANCHE FAN]

Originally Posted by jkidd

My thoughts exactly.

What's the point to "cleaning house" and bringing in a whole new coaching staff... if the same eyes are going to be looking over the franchise? One of the guys that helped make all the moves, that has led to the mess the Avs are in? Normally, if you want to gut a franchise and start over, aren't you supposed to bring in a whole different management crew with fresh eyes, fresh ideas and start over?

Exactly what I have been saying for years Lacroix is the one overseeing everything and in the end the one making all the decisions but no one is willing to put any blame on him,Any other club would have have him the axe along time ago!

[The_Sheriff]

Bring in a guy who will actually use an enforcer.........that's all i ask