Blades are on Marks for playoffs
Even for coach Malcolm Cameron, the man who orchestrated the Florida Everblades to the top seed for the American Conference playoffs with five games remaining, the ECHL playoffs require more than even he can do alone.
“The playoffs are all about details,” Cameron said. “All the little minor things that can win or lose you a hockey game, and it’s extremely important for you to be able to pay attention to those details.”
The details to any hockey game can be overwhelming. From breaking down potential line matchups to equating which goalie is best suited on a given night for a potential opponent, the details can be mind boggling.
Even Cameron admits he can’t do it alone properly if the Blades are to achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Kelly Cup.
“With one coach it’s a whole lot harder to put the focus on all those little details,” Cameron added.
Enter John Marks, who has been hired as Cameron’s assistant head coach for the duration of the playoff run.
Marks brings and impressive coaching resume that includes more than 22 years of head coaching experience and two Kelly Cup Championships – the first in 1996 with the Charlotte Checkers and 2002 with the Greenville Grrrowl.
Most recently, Marks was head coach of the Augusta Lynx, but when that team folded in mid-November Marks became unemployed. He was the first and only person Cameron considered as a temporary assistant. Marks is more than happy to be with the Everblades.
“When Augusta folded I called Malcolm and told him that if he ever needed an assistant I’m available,” said Marks. “So when I got the call … I said ‘absolutely, it’s a no brainer.’ So here I am.”
The hire frees up Cameron to attend to the things he considers most important.
“(Marks) allows me to focus more on things like line matchups and forward matchups and (John) can be looking at the defensive matchups,” Cameron said.
Marks got a running start to his job this week. His first practice with the team was Wednesday morning, and so far he likes what he sees.
Comparing this year’s Everblades to his past two championship teams, Marks sees some similarities.
“The league has improved a lot since the Charlotte team I coached 13 seasons ago, and it has improved a lot more since the Greenville team that won it in 2002,” Marks said. “That team had all the ingredients and that’s why we won. This (Everblades) team I think has all the ingredients. We’ve got size, we’ve got speed, we’ve got goaltending, and one of the things I keep hearing about in the locker room is players that really want to win, and that’s important. To have guys who are willing to (make) the effort, make the commitment, and make the sacrifice it’s going to take for a grueling four series, six-week marathon to win (the Kelly Cup). I’m really seeing and feeling that here.”
Cameron, and Marks have a chance to see the Everblades display those ingredients as they look to extend a three-game winning streak Saturday night at Germain Arena when the Charlotte Checkers visit for the final time of the regular season.