With the departure of Matt Cressman last night, the Jackalopes go back to the future with former player and Assistant Coach Greg Gatto.
Gatto was relieved of his Head Coaching duties with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns just ten days ago. That coaching change came after nine years as the head coach posting an 80-143-20 record.
Gatto’s removal from Lethbridge was not one that was welcomed by fans or players. The record does not reflect his coaching ability. By all accounts, Gatto may have actually done his best coaching job this season.
Returning to Odessa as Head Coach, Gatto will bring that College level intensity to his new position.
What many in the United States may not know or understand is how the University Hockey system in Canada works. Many teams are made up of former Major Junior players using their education packages. Coaching those highly skilled and experienced players is not an easy thing to do as they have already played at a very high level.
Having that experience, and development knowledge will likely transition the Jackalopes into a team that becomes harder to play against as the NAHL season winds down.
