NEW BLAZE player coach Steven Goertzen says the departure of Marc LeFebvre is a wake up call for everyone involved with the club.
The 30-year-old former NHL forward will be assisted by defenceman Mike Egener after the Elite League strugglers parted company with coach Marc LeFebvre on Wednesday.
And Goertzen, who lifted the Elite League play-off trophy with Sheffield Steelers last season, says he has been put in charge top turn things around.
He said: “I still believe in the guys in the dressing room but we know we need to address some things.
“We need to wipe the slate clean and have some fun again. Hockey is a great game and you only play it for so long. It is not just a given right, you have to earn it and every night hold each other accountable.
“It is never a good situation when a coach is let go and you feel responsible for letting him down.
“But it is a wake-up call for the players knowing if things are not going well then changes will be made.
“There is no overnight solution and you cannot just implement a whole bunch of changes. We just need to focus on the details of the game.”
Goertzen is also looking forward to working with Egener, currently sidelined through injury, as they bid to turn around the club’s fortunes.
He added: “Mike is a player we miss big time, he is a huge asset for the team and we need him back in the line-up.
“He brings a physical presence back there and every team knows he is there – he is a big piece for us. Off the ice he is super involved helping the guys out.
“Mike has a lot of leadership qualities, he is someone I can lean on, he knows the game and has a lot of knowledge. I am going to enjoy working with him and everyone in the dressing room respects him.”
