DETROIT -- The burden now falls on Brad Park to do something no Detroit Red Wing coach has done in 13 years -- produce a winner.
Park, 37, a nine-time All-Star defenseman who retired last year, was named Monday to replace the fired Harry Neale as coach of the Wings, whose 8-23-4 record is the worst in the NHL. Park signed a 2 -year contract through the 1987-88 season, becoming the team's 16th coach in the last 15 years and director of player personnel.
'I've got my work cut out for me, I admit,' Park said. 'I believe the Red Wings have the talent. It might not be as good as the top four or five clubs, but they're as good as the next 16.'
His coaching debut comes tonight when the Red Wings host the New York Islanders at Joe Louis Arena.
While the Red Wings are not expected to show many lineup or style changes against the Islanders, Park promised a 'much improved team three weeks from now.'
Neale, 48, signed a two-year contract last June 24. The Red Wings said they will honor the remaining 1 years of his contract. Neale's team had lost 10 of its last 11 games, including three by eight goals or more.
Before coming to Detroit, Neale was coach and general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, where he posted a 142-189-76 record.
'I have had to relieve Harry Neale of his duties as coach of the Detroit Red Wings,' said team General Manager Jim Devellano. 'I waited and waited, and there just didn't seem to be a good response from the team to Harry, for whatever reason.
'Brad is in total control of our hockey team -- on and off the ice. Brad is going to be involved in all the decisions in regard to who we bring up, who we send down, who we trade, and contract discussions. Brad is going to be more than just the head coach -- he's going to have some real authority in the dressing room.'
Heading off speculation that he would be ousted too, Devellano Monday was awarded a two-year contract extension through the 1987-88 season and given the added title of vice president. Devellano initially signed a four-year contract as GM on July 12, 1982.
'Jimmy Devellano has gone out and found the talent we need,' said team owner Mike Ilitch. 'And I feel based on the moves we made that we've got better personnel than what our position indicates. It's hard for me to believe we have not improved our hockey team.'
Park, who played his last two seasons with the Red Wings, becomes the seventh-youngest coach in the NHL. He said Monday he would retain assistant coaches Dan Belisle and Colin Campbell.
A Toronto native, Park played 17 years in the NHL, signing with Detroit as a free agent Aug. 9, 1983, after 7 seasons with the Boston Bruins. He helped Detroit to the playoffs both years (although the team finished under .500) while setting an NHL record for appearing in postseason competition for 17 straight seasons.
'This is a great hockey town,' Park said. 'You can look at the record of the Detroit Red Wings and the attendance and it just shows you what type of people you have here in the city and how they love their hockey. It's about time we give them something that they can cheer about.'
Park still holds the NHL record for assists by a defenseman with 683 and ranks 15th overall on the league's all-time ledger in that category.
In 1984, despite playing with severely injured knees, Park won the Masterson Trophy, given to the player exemplifying sportsmanship, perseverance and dedication.
In 1,113 regular-season games, Park also scored 213 goals to give him 896 points. His point total is third among defensemen in NHL history and ranks 26th overall.
Park was the New York Rangers' first choice and second overall in the 1966 NHL entry draft, and made his NHL debut in the 1968-69 season. In 1975, Park was traded to Boston with Jean Ratelle and Joe Zanussi in a deal that brought Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais to the Rangers. He also overcame five major knee operations and five arthroscopic procedures on his knees.
Park and his wife, Gerri, have five children and still own a home in the Detroit area. He operates two pizza franchises in the Boston area as part of the Little Caesars chain owned by Ilitch.
