To say that new Power coach Charlie Duccilli has his hands full would be a serious understatement. After taking over for Pat Farmer two weeks ago, Duccilli has watched his team’s defense go from bad to worse. The corps has given up seven goals the past two weeks and are on pace to double last year’s total of 25, yielding 41 already. So why has the “D” been so dreadful?
“The defensive decisions haven’t been made quick enough,” Duccilli explained. “We have had too many breakdowns and gotten burned on almost all of them. You can’t expect to get away with so many mistakes.”
The 2-11-1 Power have really missed defenseman Gro Espeseth, who retired at the end of last year. Then there is the goaltending situation. Starter Gao Hong missed more than a third of the season rehabbing an off-season leg injury. Hong hasn’t been close to form since her return three weeks ago.
*Robert Thompson and Paul LeSueur were hired as assistant coaches by the Power. Thompson will be the goalkeeping coach, while LeSueur, the team’s director of player relations and camps, will assist Duccilli on daily team issues.