The Toledo Blade’s Mark Monroe spoke with Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson and Toledo Walleye pro scout Nick Vitucci–all of whom have coached the Walleye–about the hiring of Pat Mikesch as the new bench boss for the Red Wings’ ECHL affiliate. All three gentlemen suggest that coach Mikesch’s lack of professional experience isn’t a real concern:
“I know people were probably not overly excited when I was hired in Toledo just because of [my] not having the pro background like that,” Lalonde said. “But I think Pat’s level of experience, his attention to detail, and his work ethic will allow him to be successful there. He’s worn all the hats. He’s been a coach and general manager and he’s played in [the ECHL]. That will set him up very well for success.”
Mikesch, who coached the [Green Bay] Gamblers for eight seasons, was alongside Lalonde when Green Bay won a USHL title in 2012.
“He was a huge resource for me,” Lalonde said. “I was growing a ton as a coach and that was kind of a team effort, together with those seasons and runs we had with Green Bay. He was a very calming personality but had a quiet intensity about him and that’s why we were successful.”
Three former Walleye coaches offered ringing endorsements for the organization’s new headman. Lalonde, Nick Vitucci, and Dan Watson all echoed similar sentiments in describing the franchise’s fourth head coach.
The trio of coaches used the terms “confident,” “well-prepared,” and “genuine” when describing Mikesch.
Vitucci said Mikesch’s background as a developmental coach in the USHL will be invaluable.
“He checks so many boxes,” Vitucci said. “The USHL is such a good league and his experience there will certainly help him in Toledo. The number of games, bus travel, and roster changeover are very similar to the ECHL.”
