Famous former NHL goalie Olie Kolzig returns as Washington Capitals’ Associate Coach – NHL Updates
Olie Kolzig, who was also known as, “Olie the Goalie”, has returned to his original team, Washington Capitals with whom he spent over 13 seasons. However, Olie has returned not as a goalie, but as Capitals’ associate coach. The team management announced
this on Thursday in Washington.
Kolzig returned to the team despite leaving it in a way which seemed as if he would never be coming back.
During the 2007-2008 season, Capitals gained rights to Cristobal Huet because of the trade deadline and after that he became Washington’s main goalie, a move that sidelined Kolzig.
Olie quit the following season and cut his career short at the age of 38.
These three years have certainly given wisdom to the South African native from Johannesburg, who despite the manner of his exit from Capitals was very humble in his announcement.
"Time heals all wounds", Kolzig said on a conference call with reporters. "The more I was removed from a few years ago and being retired and getting a better perspective on things ... you realize it's a business and things were handled in a business fashion".
The 41-year-old has many plans for Washington Capitals now that he is part of the team as a coach.
Washington was eliminated from the playoffs in the opening rounds which is something he wants to change since there is immense talent in the team.
Olie played a total of 719 games and maintains a record of 303 wins and 297 losses along with a .906 saves percentage.
Kolzig played from 1989 till 2008 with Washington Capitals and in a move to leave Capitals, he joined Tampa Bay Lightning, but only played eight games with lightning and then retired.
"Once I get in there, I'll have to remind myself I'm a coach now and not a player, and maybe back off some of the things I might have said as a player", Kolzig said.
The two-time NHL All-Star and winner of the Vezina Trophy for being the top goalie in 2000 will certainly have a lot of input to give to the Washington Capitals’ players with his experience and vision.
Capitals might just have a transformation in its reputation in the playoffs when it gets another chance in the upcoming 2011-2012 season.
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