Following a 4-2 loss to the Boston Bruins that brings the Minnesota Wild to a record of just 3-12-4 since January 1st, general manager Chuck Fletcher has decided to relieve coach Mike Yeo of his duties, effective immediately.
No replacement has been named yet, but it is being reported by Rogers Sportsnet’s hockey insider Elliotte Friedman that John Torchetti, the head coach of Minnesota’s AHL affiliate the Iowa Wild will be named as his replacement later tonight. Torchetti has previously been an interim head coach of the Florida Panthers and Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. He was also an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Atlanta Thrashers and the head coach of the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage.
This wouldn’t be the first time Torchetti replaces Yeo behind the bench. Torchetti took over as head coach of the Houston Aeros in 2011, replacing Mike Yeo who went to the Wild.
The Wild’s next game is on Monday against Vancouver.
The following is a press release from the team.
Mike Yeo fired as Coach in Minnesota
Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher tonight announced Head Coach Mike Yeo has been relieved of his coaching duties effective immediately.
“I would like to thank Mike for the hard work and dedication he provided behind the bench for the Minnesota Wild organization and wish him the best in the future,” said Fletcher.
Yeo was in his fifth season as Head Coach of the Wild and posted a record of 173-132-44 in the regular season and led Minnesota to the Stanley Cup Playoffs the last three seasons after a five-year absence. The Wild went 46-28-8 last season registering the second most wins and points in franchise history.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 11: Head coach Mike Yeo of the Minnesota Wild looks on from the bench during the second period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 11, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
