The Orlando Solar Bears were caught somewhat by surprise last week when ESPN.com’s John Buccigross tweeted coach Anthony Noreen was a finalist for the vacant job at St. Lawrence University. Just a week before in speaking about the season he just completed, his first as head coach of a professional team, he spoke about how excited he was about getting through the summer and helping building the Solar Bears back up after missing out on the Playoffs this year.
A sudden departure seemed out of left field. Completely out of left field.
Perhaps it really was.
Tanya Rezak of Pension Plan Puppets spoke to Noreen at this weekend’s Orlando Solar Bears tent sale and he said he was taken by surprise as much by the rumors he would interview for the St. Lawrence job as everyone else.
“I don’t have social media,” Noreen said, “And I first saw the tweet when Jason [Siegel, Solar Bears president] forwarded it to me. And I thought, that’s interesting.”
So is it true?
“I don’t know why Buccigross tweeted my name, but he knows my name through college hockey, and has tweeted about me before.”
So is it true?
“I have no comment about Buccigross’s tweet. I’m currently under contract to the Solar Bears.”
That does not quite settle things, but it certainly sheds some light on Noreen and his future with the Solar Bears. It seemed like he remains a good young coach that will get a fair amount of notice around the hockey world. He is an up-and-coming coach.
Even the Solar Bears did not make the Kelly Cup Playoffs this year, Noreen is generally considered to have done a good job. It took him a while to get his feet wet in the hectic ECHL with its constant call ups and young players, but the team really hit a groove midway through the season and made a late-season run to make up ground for a postseason berth.
With a year of experience under his belt, the Solar Bears probably believe Noreen will be better equipped to handle the challenges of the season. Not to mention another year of understanding what the Toronto Maple Leafs want from their minor league system and understanding what gaps in the roster they will have to fill themselves.
While there is still no agreement to renew the affiliation with the Maple Leafs, the Solar Bears are moving forward with their offseason plans as if there are. Noreen said he had spoken with Toronto Marlies general manager Kyle Dubas about plans for next season.
Of course, there is no deal until there is a deal. And losing the affiliation would drastically change the roster.
Whether or not Buccigross’ report was true or not, it is a good sign of Noreen’s reputation around the hockey world. But Noreen’s direct comments also signal he plans on staying in Orlando for a little while longer before growing into his next job opportunity.
