Blades snag rival’s coach
For Florida Everblades President Craig Brush, finding a new head coach began April 25 when Gerry Fleming resigned after seven years to pursue other opportunities.
The journey of finding a replacement culminated Friday with the most surprising move of Brush’s tenure with the hiring of the Texas Wildcatters’ Malcolm Cameron.
“I just felt that overall, Malcolm’s qualifications presented us with the opportunity to continue our winning tradition, and he’s my bet on winning the (Kelly Cup),” Brush said of his controversial and amazing decision.
Blades, and Wildcatters, fans everywhere should remember the well publicized tongue lashing Brush gave a Beaumont, Texas, newspaper in February. In that interview, Brush used some not-so-pleasant words in reference to Cameron, then the Wildcatters’ coach.
“I had to pick myself up off the floor when I took the call,” an amazed Cameron said of the hire.
He also admitted that, despite his recent history with Brush, he had discussed with his wife the possibility of getting the job in Florida.
“I’m very honored to be here today. It’s an outstanding opportunity for me and my family to come here and coach,” Cameron said Friday at Germain Arena.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to have the opportunity to come here and work with Craig, who has obviously been a good adversary of mine over the last couple of years … Words can’t really express how I feel to be in this position today.”
Cameron becomes the third coach in the franchise’s 10-year history, replacing Fleming, the team’s longest tenured coach.
Cameron’s hire is a coup for Brush. Not only does he get a head coach with the same passion and goal — winning the Kelly Cup — he also snags his biggest rival’s coach.
Team captain Earnie Hartlieb is impressed by the hiring.
“It’s sad that Gerry wont be here anymore,” said Hartlieb, “but it’s an exciting day for everybody in the organization. I’ve known Malcolm a long time. He has tried to recruit me for both Texas and Long Beach and now I have the chance to play for him in Florida.”
Florida’s new coach has some big shoes to fill, too.
Fleming’s record is nothing short of impressive. He lead the team into the playoffs seven straight seasons, in the process cementing the Blades organization as one of the elite in the ECHL.
None of that matters to Cameron, who is relishing his chance to make his mark in Florida.
“I work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Cameron said. “I don’t turn it off, and most of the players who’ve played with me for a year or two know that. They know it gets the best of out them and I think guys want to be at their best.”