ESTERO, Flor. – The Florida Everblades have a new head coach, Greg Poss.  The announcement was made this week at a press conference at Germain Arena, “I’m honored to be the new coach of the Florida Everblades.  We’re going to work hard to achieve our goals and objectives this year,” Poss said to the group.

President and general manager, Craig Brush added, “I am very pleased to have Greg become the fourth coach in Everblades history.”

Poss, a 45-year old native of Wisconsin, presents with an impressive resume.  He spent 16 seasons coaching abroad in Europe.

Poss had his first coaching experience in Sweden, where he led the Olofstroms Hockey Club.  In 1993-1994, he led the Club to a first place finish for the first time in 24 years.  He spent two seasons coaching the Nuremberg Tigers (DEL), where he led them to a 67-31-6 record.  Also in the DEL (Bundesliga), he was with the Iserlohn Roosters, where they posted a 71-78-23 record.

His resume continues with strong national team experience.  In 2009 as an assistant coach with the USA Hockey team, they finished second in the race for the Deutschland Cup.  During the 2004-2005 season, he was the head coach of the German Senior National Teams that participated in the Deutschland Cup and World Championships. 

Poss also has international coaching experience where, as an assistant coach, his team finished first (gold) in the Deutschland Cup in 2003 and (bronze) in 2004 at the World Championships in Prague.

In 2005-2008 Poss was the coach of the Mannheim Eagles (DEL).  In 2006-2007, he led them to not only finish first during the regular season, but also won the inter-league tournament and the league championship in the same year.  They compiled a very impressive record of 35-9-9.

Poss also has some experience as a professional hockey player in the AHL (Maine Mariners) and the IHL (Peoria Rivermen).  He began his career with four solid years at the University of Wisconsin.

Last season, Poss did something that was quite remarkable for an experienced coach spending the 2009-2010 season learning about the nuances of the ECHL by serving as a volunteer assistant coach with the Ontario ( California) Reign.  His goal was to earn a spot as a head coach back in the USA.  His unusual approach obviously was very successful.

Brush was impressed by Poss’ up-tempo style of play.  Poss likes to have a team that can get out in transition and take advantage of players who are out of position.  “I like to attack before (the defenders) can get in their defensive position.”  He also likes to have good, fast skaters, something Florida lacked during the previous season. 

Poss will be the Florida Everblades’ fourth head coach in their 13-year history.  He replaces Malcolm Cameron who left after two seasons with the Blades.  There were 60 applicants for the position with Florida.  Poss has signed a two-year contract.

It was also mentioned during the news conference that the Blades will have two NHL affiliates next season.  The Carolina Hurricanes will continue their relationship; the second team is yet to be determined.

Poss would like to be an NHL coach someday.  He has an impressive coaching record and hopefully will make this season a strong one for the Blades. That certainly will help pave the way for his future aspirations.

“I’m not going to sit here and promise a championship; because anybody can do that.  But I will promise that we will have a championship work ethic.”

Florida begins the 2010-2011 season with new head coach Greg Poss on Friday October 15, when they will host division rival, the Gwinnett Gladiators at Germain Arena.

Contact the writer at: sweatherhead@prohockeynews.com