Struggling Heroes dismiss Kebert as GM; Henley promoted from IFHL
ByStruggling Heroes dismiss Kebert as GM
Jason Henley promoted from IFHL
March 3rd, 2013
Hoping to save a sinking ship still seeking it’s first win of the season, AFHL Commissioner Anthony Furino on Sunday relieved Pittsburgh Heroes GM Kyle Kebert of his duties.
Jason Henley was promoted from the IFHL to replace Kebert.
“Kyle has done an excellent job but he did not show enough activity in the league this season and a change needed to be made,” Furino said during a conference call to announce the move.
The Heroes are currently dead last in this year’s standings with an overall record of 9-54-9.
“I think one of the biggest issues with the Heroes right now is confidence,” said Furino. “They’ve got to establish that swagger they had near the end of last season. They have a young group of talented players, many of whom are ready to take the next step. Somebody needs to help them take that next step.”
Furino’s decision came after a blowout loss to the North Bay Warriors that saw the Heroes score only 15 points on offense and not a single goalie start.
Kebert told TheAFHL.com that he didn’t blame Furino for removing him from the helm.
“I haven’t been able to put in the time to develop and motivate these players on a daily basis,” said Kebert. “And whenever you’re in a situation that we were in – not having won a single matchup all season – you can very easily expect the unexpected. I enjoyed working with a lot of GMs in this league – so many have been great to me. I’m always going to remember my run with the Heroes as my first opportunity. I’ll forever be appreciative it.”
The Heroes matchup this week will be with the Manhattan Supermen, and behind the bench for the first time as AFHL coach will be Jason Henley.
Henley is the fourth GM to have been promoted from the IFHL.
Mika Zibanejad is just one of many prized prospects in the Pittsburgh Heroes organization.
Furino opted for Henley ahead of a more experienced candidate because of Henley’s incredibly high activity level in the IFHL and his familiarity with hockey prospects.
“Jason Henley is the complete package,” said Montreal Xtreme GM Keith Cancilla who introduced Henley to Furino over the summer. “He’s a good friend of mine and I told Furino that I believe he is the perfect guy for the Heroes franchise.”
Henley is inheriting one of the youngest teams in the league and Furino took comfort in that there won’t be much of a feeling-out process for the players. Henley knows the players and that familiarity makes a big difference.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled and happy about this great opportunity,” Henley said during a press conference on Monday morning. “I’m going to finish the rebuild that Kyle [Kebert] started and I’m going to properly develop our young players. I have a knack for getting the best out of my players and if their best is not up to my standards then I’ll send them packing. I’m here to win multiple AFHL Stanley Cups and I won’t let anyone or anything stop me from doing that.”
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Welcome to the big leagues Jason. I look forward to doing business with you once you’re established and ready to go. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to make any moves prior to the trade deadline, but that will give you ample time to study the rosters, learn the league and read the GMs well. Welcome!
I’ve given him clearance to make moves before the deadline. He knows his stuff and won’t trade players before reaching out to all GMs.
Awesome and with the deadline right around the corner. Add me to YIM, f1_bones, there is a few guys I’ve been trying to get from Pittsburgh for awhile now.
Good luck rebuilding that team man
Welcome Jason. This is the best league I’m in, so make sure your ready for us.
welcome windbag! lol good to have you along…i can say Jason is a great guy, and an active gm as we go way back to the days of road hockey when we were say 12ish…he knows his shit! so dont bother trying to fleece him…not happening…lol
welcome to the bigs Joey Moss! Rick if you get him on yim, give him my name. For the GM’s, Rick, Jason, and I all grew up together and Jason knows his shit. I vow three things, Jason will win Funniest GM by end of next season, he can’t be fleeced as he knows his prospects and nhl’ers, and lastly, be nice, his Aunt Elanor will destroy you with her unbelievable, yet describale, grip.
Thank you gentlemen, I appreciate the welcome…welcoming…welcomes?…thank you for ackowledging my presence. I’ve been angling to get into this pool for a couple of years now and am very happy to finally get the call. Keith, Eleanor has 2 e’s. If she ever saw you mispelling her name, her GI Joe-esque Kung-fu grip would be the least of your worries. Your saving grace is that she thinks the internet is a professional soccer team from an Italian fishing village. Lame. I should go do the about me thing on yuku now.
lol whats the story with his aunt elanor?
She was a pretty special Canadian Olympian and Keith has always been jealous of my family’s superior athletic genes. I think she turned him downs for prom too.
Welcome man who knows his shit. YIM for pat McKenna if the Comox valley Hitmen is xmen7177. Lets chat before the deadline.
great another moron gm who went into rebuild mode, then dumped his shitty ass team to call it quits. Vancouver made the cup two years in a row and then decimated his team with dumb trades that made no sense. See ya later……… welcome to the new gm and I feel awful for you to aquire such a team. good luck you will need it my friend. SOrry stuff like that pisses me off. GO Phantoms
Beckman, you’re a god. This league has no place for clowns.