Tom Schmansky introduced as Mustangs new GM

Tom Schmansky introduced

as Mustangs new GM

May 30th, 2011

Tom Schmansky slipped on a Mustangs cap and officially kicked off a new era in London.

AFHL Commissioner Anthony Furino introduced the new coach and GM of the London Mustangs during a news conference on Monday morning, and Schmansky said he was looking forward to building on the Mustangs’ winning tradition.

“I believe in leadership,” he said. “I believe in being the best in the world at what I do.”

Schmansky agreed to terms a day earlier and replaces Blake Wilson during a time of transition for both the AFHL and the Mustangs.

The Mustangs were among the AFHL’s best teams under Wilson. London won the first ever AFHL Stanley Cup in 2009-10. Last season, London fell just one win short of returning to the Stanley Cup Final for a chance at winning back-to-back Cups.

Schmansky, 56, has played fantasy hockey for 15 years and has a reputation for being very competitive and active on a daily basis. He’s been a passionate hockey fan for 50 years and seen a lot in that time including Wayne Gretzky when he played for Sault Ste. Marie.

“There are no shortcuts with him,” said the AFHL Commissioner. “He’s a career hockey guy, he’s got an impressive resume, he’s very well prepared, and he’s very intense. He demands a lot and has high standards.”

Schmansky will be asked to develop youthful stars while putting a charge into the remaining veterans.

Stalwarts on the Mustangs roster include Patrik Elias and Bryan McCabe, but the Mustangs know they will have to depend more on younger players like Ryan Getzlaf, Patrik Berglund, Bryan Little, and Jamie McBain.

Schmansky said he expected to find out Elias’ intentions soon.

“It’s up to Patrik,” Schmansky said. “If he wants to play another two or three years, then he’ll play another two or three years. He’ll have to make that call, but I don’t think he’s going to consider retirement until the end of next season at the earliest. The same goes for McCabe.”

Schmansky said he wanted to always let players know where they stand with him.

“When you don’t make people accountable, it leads to a superstar mentality where not everyone on the team is important,” he said shortly after donning a hat featuring the team’s mascot logo. “The players on this team already have the tools they need to win another Cup next season and I’m very excited about this opportunity to help them do it.”