Iserlohn Roosters Bring on Doug Shedden as New Head Coach
With the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) squad Iserlohn Roosters struggling at the bottom of the table, they've enlisted the help of Doug Shedden. The 62-year-old Canadian coach will step in for Greg Poss, who was let go back in October. During Poss' absence, Pierre Beaulieu took charge, guiding the team on an interim basis. Shedden has previous experience in the DEL, having coached ERC Ingolstadt from 2017 to 2022.
"Our first priority is to get out of the relegation zone," Shedden stated. With the coach, the players, and the atmosphere working as a cohesive unit, they stand a strong chance of achieving this goal. Shedden's resume includes roles as a head coach in Switzerland, Finland, the Eastern European KHL, and the second-tier North American professional league AHL.
Iserlohn's managing partner, Wolfgang Brück, expressed confidence in Shedden's abilities, noting that his impressive background and experience made him the right choice for the team's current situation.
During his tenure with ERC Ingolstadt, Shedden guided the Roosters out of the relegation zone while serving as their coach. Now tasked with helping the team escape the same predicament, Shedden will no doubt rely on his skills and experience to tackle this new challenge.
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Broadening the scope, Shedden's coaching tenure in Iserlohn has been a complex journey. His impact on the team has been mixed, demonstrating both successes and setbacks.
Achievements and Leadership
- Impactful Beginning: Upon joining the team in November 2023, Shedden led the Roosters to an impressive turnaround. Despite the team's tough position at the bottom of the table, Shedden managed to secure their spot in the DEL for the 2023-2024 season, earning him recognition as a "Retter" in the Iserlohner Eishockeyhistorie [1][2].
- Dedication and Resilience: Shedden's commitment and hard work were evident throughout the 2023-2024 season. Despite facing challenges, he continued to work diligently for the team, driving them to stay competitive [1].
Challenges and Criticisms
- Rough Second Season: In the 2024-2025 season, the Roosters have struggled to maintain their previous momentum. The team has found themselves near the bottom of the table, and Shedden's inability to sustain success has contributed to his dismissal [1][2][4].
- Player Performance: The team's imported players have not performed as expected. Shedden, along with Axel Müffeler, was responsible for these foreign players, and their lackluster performance has added to the team's overall struggles [1].
Despite these challenges, Shedden's experience and dedication have greatly impacted the Iserlohn Roosters. His exit has left the team in search of a new coach to help them navigate the remaining portion of the 2024-2025 season and potentially avoid relegation.
