USA Hockey’s Choice of Bill Guerin Raises Eyebrows
The NHL has recently announced the reinstatement of an international calendar for the Olympics and the introduction of a World Cup in the coming years. This news has sparked excitement among fans as they eagerly anticipate the opportunity to see the best players in the world compete on an international stage. However, USA Hockey’s recent choice of Bill Guerin as the general manager for the national teams has raised some eyebrows.
Guerin’s appointment comes at a time when Hockey Canada is facing significant criticism and undergoing a complete overhaul due to allegations of sexual assault cover-ups within the program. Given the current climate, it is surprising that USA Hockey would choose someone like Guerin, who has himself been accused of covering up a sexual assault while serving as part of the Penguins front office.
In a lawsuit filed against the Penguins, Guerin was accused of telling Jarrod Skalde, whose wife claimed she had been assaulted by the coach of the Penguins AHL team, to keep the incident quiet. Although the lawsuit was eventually settled, the fact that Guerin was involved in such a controversy raises questions about USA Hockey’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual assault within the sport.
Furthermore, Guerin’s tenure as the general manager of the Minnesota Wild has not been particularly impressive. The team has largely remained in the shadows, with little success to show for their existence. In contrast, other potential candidates for the position, such as Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils, Chris Drury of the New York Rangers, and Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers, have demonstrated their abilities to build successful teams.
Fitzgerald has assembled an exciting, young roster in New Jersey, Drury has a strong connection to Team USA as a former player, and Zito has constructed a Presidents’ Trophy-winning and Stanley Cup finalist team in Florida. It is puzzling why USA Hockey would take a risk on Guerin when there are other candidates with more impressive track records.
Additionally, Guerin has faced allegations of verbal abuse during his time as the Minnesota Wild’s general manager. While an internal investigation by the team concluded that he had not committed a fireable offense, it is concerning that USA Hockey would consider someone with a questionable reputation for such a significant role.
USA Hockey’s decision to appoint Guerin as the general manager of the national teams raises concerns about the organization’s commitment to addressing serious issues and their ability to make sound personnel choices. It also calls into question their judgment in selecting someone who may not be the best fit for the job. With other strong candidates available, it is unclear why Guerin was chosen and what he brings to the table.
In the end, it is crucial for USA Hockey to prioritize the well-being and safety of its players and address the ongoing issues within the sport. The selection of a general manager should reflect these values and demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for all involved.
