SAULT STE. MARIE – People are still talking about the big change the Toronto Maple Leafs made yesterday, firing Head Coach Mike Babcock and hiring former Soo Greyhounds' Head Coach Sheldon Keefe.
It's almost seven years to the day that Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas first hired Sheldon Keefe to coach Dubas' Soo Greyhounds. As Dubas and Keefe team up again, Frank Sarlo says he's not surprised.
Sarlo has been involved with the Greyhounds for nearly 50 years and was on the board when Keefe was hired.
"When you saw Kyle and Keefe together, it brought me back to Sherry Bassin and Ted Nolan and Danny Flynn. Because they prepared everything ahead of time and they always knew where they were focused on and where they were going," said Sarlo.
Although Keefe does not possess NHL coaching experience, Sarlo belives his dedication to his craft will make him a good coach.
"He's the hardest worker I've ever met."
In the Sault, fans were happy to hear two former Greyhounds are now running the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"I think its good news. It's a good change for the leafs because they're not doing so well. It's good that they have two former Greyhounds running the team… it will be interesting to see how it works out," said one resident.
Just like when Dubas first hired Keefe seven years ago, the young GM is sticking his neck out for the new coach. Many expect that if Keefe doesn't turn around the Leafs, it will be Dubas being fired next.
