Edmonton Oilers Zach Hyman Rips Apart Management For Firing Head Coach During Post-Game Interviews

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Skyler Walker
November 14, 2023 (12:18)

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The Edmonton Oilers recently underwent a coaching shakeup, parting ways with head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson.

Kris Knoblauch stepped into the role as the new head coach, marking his first day on the job with a victory. The team witnessed a change in dynamics as they adapted to Knoblauch's coaching style.

Zach Hyman, a key player for the Oilers, spoke about the transition, acknowledging the mixed emotions within the team with the longest interview of the year, to show support for Woodcroft's wrongful firing.

"well, we just met him � it's his first day on the job. i think he's got a calming presence, and i just look forward to getting to know him, and getting to know his style of coaching. i think this day was a tough day for everyone. anytime two great people, and great coaches in jay and mans get let go, i think the group feels like you let them down. it's not a fun feeling for a group when that happens, because they're great people, and we had great personal relationships with them outside of hockey, so that's tough.

at the same time, you have somebody who is coming in for their first opportunity, their dream to coach in the nhl. ''

He highlighted the challenge of bidding farewell to coaches like Woodcroft and Manson, expressing a sense of responsibility for their departure. Despite the difficulty, Hyman recognized the significance of the moment for Kris Knoblauch, embracing the opportunity for a fresh start under a new coach.

Hyman also reflected on the strong bonds formed with Woodcroft and Manson, emphasizing their positive impact beyond the hockey realm. He mentioned the Western Conference finals and the team's belief in the ousted coaches, emphasizing the emotional aspect of such changes.

There's two sides to the script today, obviously. it was a really special moment for kris to come in, and get that � and coff too, but coff's won a lot of hockey games. for us to play like that for him in his first game, like i said, look forward to getting to know him."

In response to the coaching switch, Hyman commended the team's resilience and effort in securing Kris Knoblauch's first win. He acknowledged the dual nature of the situation, with joy for the new coach and empathy for those departing.

"we had a lot of success with woody and mans. we went to the western conference finals, we just lose to vegas last year. it's not just hockey. you build relationships with people, and they're two amazing people. connor said it best earlier: they never lost the room. we still beleived in them. that's really hard as a player. you're not a machine, you have emotions, you have feelings, and that part of the game is the hardest part. i think as players, i'm really proud of our group for rallying and showing up tonight getting kris' first win. there's two sides. anytime something like this happens, you're ecstatic for one guy, then you can feel for the other guy, too. never a fun position. it was on us. the players started poorly, that's what it was."

Hyman concluded by addressing the players' accountability for a slow start, recognizing the emotional challenges that come with such transitions in the hockey world.