Leadership. That is something in any sport that a team needs to ignite inspiration to achieve objectives as a collective.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!When things get tough, morale levels drop and the camaraderie between one another is tested.
Right now, the Arizona Coyotes are on the longest losing streak of the season, dropping their past four games.
But not only are players like Sean Durzi and Jack McBain both on the verge of returning from injury, their upcoming schedule will be less strenuous and congested following the Coyotes’ next back-to-back series against the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres beginning tomorrow.
When talking about leadership after practice today, Coyotes head coach André Tourigny believes that everyone on the team can be depended on and own their role no matter who they are.
“In a long season, everybody finds their way inside of the team,” Tourigny said. “No matter the age or number of years, it is your place in the team. Some players are in the league for four years and take a big role and others take seven. For everybody, you are a leader, you are a guy to lean on, you are a guy you can trust.”
Fist pumps, stick tapping, laughing, chatting, etc. The chemistry between one another on the ‘Yotes continues to fuse as they get more acclimated to each other.
Franchise cornerstones like Nick Schmaltz (upper body) injured, Clayton Keller (illness) and Logan Cooley (illness) have not been fully healthy as of late, but they have combatted adversity for the better of their teammates around them.
Presenting examples of their character, Tourigny was complimentary of the three as they continue to push themselves despite the challenges they are currently encountering.
“Talking about Schmaltzy (Schmaltz), he has battled through, dug in and I respect that, that’s leadership.” Tourigny said. “Kells (Keller) is sick, Cools (Cooley) is sick, but they wanted to practice still. That’s the kind of team we have. They dig in, battle, want to play. It shows a positive sign.”
Arizona Coyotes head coach André Tourigny talked about leadership, including Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley who practiced sick. #Yotes #NHL
"Kells is sick, Cools is sick, but they wanted to practice still. That's the kind of team we have. They dig in, battle, want to play." pic.twitter.com/6NJZ8dVtCc
— Alec Cipollini (@AlecCipollini) December 14, 2023
Soon, Arizona’s attempt to break their winless skid as their encounter with the Sharks will be at Mullett Arena tomorrow night at 7 p.m. MST.
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
