Following his new three-year contract extension with the Arizona Coyotes, André Tourigny is ready to continue making steps in the team's rebuild.
The Arizona Coyotes look to build into the future with coach André Tourigny after officially signing him to a three-year contract extension on Wednesday.
Tourigny spoke following his contract extension Wednesday and expressed his gratitude towards the Coyotes organization and is truly excited to get the season started..
"It means a lot to have the trust of Mr. Meruelo, Xavier, Bill Armstrong, and all of management trusting us with that rebuild and that process," Tourigny said. "We made some additions this summer, it's really positive and we have a lot of energy, but getting into the season with a brand new contract for everybody, it means a lot to us."
The 49-year-old, has really gained the respect of the players and the entire organization through his two years in the Valley thus far. Prior to his stint with the Coyotes, Tourigny didn’t have any NHL head coaching experience making it all the more impressive he was able to make the most of what he had with a rebuilding team.
A coach can only do so much though and Tourigny is well-aware of that.
"I'm there to direct them, to manage them, and to make sure the message and make sure the leadership steers the boat in the right direction," Tourigny said. "I really believe the best coaching is coming from the players, and my job is to make sure we have a direction, we have a plan, we're organized, we have an attitude, and we have a culture, but the most important thing is the players have to drive all of that. We have to build that with the players.
"The players have to be on board, and they are the guys who will make that happen. It's my job to sell that to them, it's my job to hold them accountable, but I really believe the leadership has to come from the players."
The Coyotes have been steadily taking steps in their rebuild over the past couple of seasons. They have accumulated a talented young forward corps consisting of players like Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Matias Maccelli and Barrett Hayton.
General manager Bill Armstrong went out during the offseason and boosted the team’s depth by acquiring talented established players including Sean Durzi, Matt Dumba, Jason Zucker, Alexander Kerfoot and Nick Bjugstad.
For Tourigny and the Coyotes, it's about continuing to take the little steps to improve as a team. Arizona has laid out a patient approach through their rebuild and they will have to continue to be patient as the team continues to grow.
"It's like raising your own child. You don't have a second opportunity to raise them the right way," he said. "The value our team has, and the value our leaders preach, it's really important for us. We know we're not a championship team yet, but we believe with those players growing, and building the championship attitude and championship value, it's now, it's today, and in the future at some point, we'll become a championship team."