Toronto Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins knows his players will be battling more than just the Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday when the two teams compete in the AHL Outdoor Classic at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Watch the 2012 AHL Outdoor Classic live on Sportsnet Ontario, East, West and Pacific on Jan. 21 at 12:30 p.m. ET
Eakins knows the unpredictable weather could play a major role in the game, something both teams will have to deal with. The 44-year-old former NHL player said the wind and sun will be the two biggest obstacles at Ivor Wynne — a stadium famous for its unpredictable wind gusts.
“Yesterday we practised, the wind was a massive factor,” Eakins told Tim & Sid on Sportsnet 590 The Fan Friday.”The push on the players and the way it was affecting the puck anytime a guy threw a saucer pass to go over a stick, the puck actually would go up or down, you could see it.”
Eakins added that he could barely see the ice when the Marlies practised on Thursday because it was so bright. Despite the natural elements, the head coach said ice conditions were great.
“The ice was hard and it was fast,” Eakins said. “It might have been the fastest ice we’ve skated on all year.”
After watching the NHL Winter Classic earlier this month between the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, Eakins said he emailed the AHL about the weather concerns he had. Ultimately, though, he said “who cares?” He admits the team that perseveres through the elements will have the upper hand.
While Eakins said his players are happy to take part in an outdoor game, the most important aspect of Saturday’s content is the two points at stake for his first-place Marlies.
“It’s not fun if you don’t win,” Eakins said. “When that puck drops tomorrow, there will be bells and whistles, but we’re coming to win.
“The novelty is wearing off on (the players). Now it’s time to throw down.”
Although the weather may not be perfect, there are many positive aspects to an outdoor game that Eakins is looking forward to.
“I think the best part is the whole outdoor concept,” Eakins said.
“You’re back outside to your roots where you worked on your skills, you were with your friends, you stayed out as long as you could to avoid dinner, anything you could do to stay outside and play hockey, and it was the first time where you really, really, loved the game. I think these senses come back to you, for these players and for me, when you’re outside.”
Eakins is in his third year as head coach of the Marlies and has put his team in a good position as the playoffs draw closer. In his first two seasons with the Marlies, Eakins amassed a record of 70-67-7-16. This year, the Marlies are currently 21-15-3-2 and sit atop the AHL’s North Division.
Prior joining the Marlies, Eakins served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2006 to 2008.
Hamilton is third in the North Division with a 18-16-1-4 record. The team has won five of its last seven games and is just six points back of the Marlies.
