The Toledo Blade’s Mark Monroe spoke with Toledo Walleye coach Dan Watson and former Walleye captain Alden Hirschfeld regarding Hirschfeld’s retirement as he joins the Walleye’s coaching staff:
Watson said it wasn’t an easy decision for Hirschfeld to retire, but it was an easy decision to hire him.
“I love for him to get his feet wet here,” Watson said. “He’s going to make our staff better and the players better. He’s going to challenge us mentally. He’s going to bring fresh ideas having just ended his playing career.”
Hirschfeld, who said he had always considered moving behind the bench after his playing career ended and even took a coaching class at Miami, believes Watson and Delmore are prefect mentors.
“I’m super excited for the future,” he said. “I’ve had an unbelievable career. My family has always supported me. I thank them all for giving me the love that has not only made me a better hockey player but a better person. I thank the fans and the community as well. I’m excited and motivated to continue my career in hockey and to move into coaching.”
