WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Butch Goring, fired as Boston Bruins coach earlier this month, has signed a 25-game, tryout contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
In a telephone interview, Goring said he would report to the Oilers' American Hockey League farm club in Nova Scotia to play himself into condition.
'Some people will say I'm too old,' said the 37-year old Goring, who hasn't played since 1985, when he was named Boston's coach after a 16-year career with Los Angeles, the New York Islanders and Boston. In 1107 games, Goring accumulated 375 goals and 513 assists.
'I'm probably in as good a shape as I was when I was 28,' said Goring. 'I've had injuries, but not to my legs. I'm experienced, dedicated and certainly healthy.'
'I haven't seen too many guys his age make a comeback,' said Oilers Coach Glen Sather, who is expected to step aside as coach and stay in the front office after this season. Assistant Coach John Muckler would become coach, with Goring expected to join the Oilers as an assistant coach.
'He'll enhance Halifax and if he can come up and help us, that's a bonus,' Sather said. 'But I'm not very optimistic about seeing him in Edmonton.'
The possibility of Goring joining the Oilers first arose in a casual conversation with his close friend and Oilers goaltending coach, Ron Low.
