PITTSBURGH, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Penguins fired Coach Eddie Olczyk Thursday and named Michel Therrien to replace him.
Also dismissed were assistant coaches Randy Hillier and Joe Mullen, Shane Clifford, the goaltending coach, and John Welday, the team's strength and conditioning coach, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said.
Therrien, former head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, has been coach of the Penguins' American Hockey League farm team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the past three years.
Mike Yeo was hired as an assistant coach, while Gilles Lefebvre will takeover as goaltending coach and Stephane Dube will be the strength and conditioning coach. Another assistant coach will be hired. All were on Therrien's staff with the Baby Penguins.
Penguins General Manager Craig Patrick said he would meet with the fired personnel to discuss their futures in the organization. He said he believes the changes will make it possible for the Penguins to make a run for a NHL playoff spot.
