Kompon joined the Winterhawks prior to the 2014-15 season, replacing Mike Johnston when Johnston was hired to coach the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Johnston was fired by the Penguins this season, and figures to be a candidate to return to the Winterhawks if he is interested.
Piper said Kompon was not fired to make room for Johnston to return.
“That’s just not the case. We really are looking everywhere” for the next coach, Piper said. He noted that Johnston has many options and that the Winterhawks would be interested in talking with any former NHL head coach.
Reports in Vancouver, B.C. indicate Johnston is the top candidate to become general manager of the WHL’s Giants.
Winterhawks assistant general manager Matt Bardsley and associate coach Kyle Gustafson remain in their positions. Both have been with the club since before Calgary businessman Bill Gallacher bought the team in October of 2008. Piper called the institutional knowledge of Bardsley and Gustafson vital during this transition.
Kompon compiled a record of 77-54-8-5 in his two seasons leading the Winterhawks.
“I’ve loved my time in Portland. I am thankful for the opportunity and have nothing but respect for the organization,” Kompon said.
Piper said he has no timetable for hiring a replacement. He noted that there is a lot of hockey season left at the NHL level and below, so many potential candidates are not yet available. Both Kompon and Johnston were hired after extensive experience as assistant coaches in the NHL.
The qualifications Piper will seek will include being a coach who embraces the attack-oriented “run-and-gun” style the Winterhawks have become known for “and someone who will be super valuable in the recruiting process.”
Piper said recruiting is as important to junior hockey success as it is for college football teams. He said it is always getting more competitive, as top-flight college hockey programs invest in facility improvements. The Winterhawks recruit against NCAA college programs. A player cannot play in the NCAA once he signs with the Winterhawks, though players can and do leave college to join the WHL.
The organization is being evaluated in every area on and off the ice as it looks to the future, so that it can improve and “be able to dazzle our fan base,” Piper said.
Piper said the Winterhawks remain interested in a major upgrade for Veterans Memorial Coliseum. He does not expect any movement on that project though until after the election of a new Portland mayor.
The Winterhawks finished second in the U.S. Division last season and third in the division this season. In Kompon’s first season the Winterhawks won two playoff series, losing to eventual WHL champion Kelowna 4-2 in the Western Conference finals.
The Winterhawks’ top offensive players from that team – including Oliver Bjorkstand and Nic Petan – moved on to professional hockey and are among the former Winterhawks who have played in the NHL this season. As Kompon noted following Wednesday’s elimination, the scoring by committee that this season’s Winterhawks needed did not happen late in the season or in the playoffs.
The Winterhawks attack lost a significant piece in December when Paul Bittner underwent hip surgery. He did not return and is currently rehabilitating under the care of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. This week, Winterhawks captain Dominic Turgeon underwent shoulder surgery, ending his season with Portland down 2-0 in the series with Everett. The Detroit Red Wings recommended Turgeon have surgery now in order to be ready for their training camp.
