The new management regime for the Vancouver Canucks was introduced Thursday at Rogers Arena.
The twins – Daniel and Henrik Sedin – are at the top of the hierarchy as co-presidents of Hockey Operations with Ryan Johnson assuming the duties of general manager after 13 years in the organization in various capacities with the last one being the general manager of the Canucks AHL farm team in Abbotsford.
So now the questions start.
Will this new regime be committed to the rebuild of the hockey club and try not to accelerate the process only to be stuck in the ‘mushy middle’?
How will these three ‘rookies’ handle the learning curve associated with their respective roles?
Can this new management team restore consumer confidence in the hockey club?
Will there be alignment between ownership, management and the coaching staff?
The Sedins and Johnson are quality people but so was Trevor Linden and we know how that worked out.
The task at hand is an enormous one.
Take a team that finished dead last in the NHL standings and make them into a contender with the ultimate goal being a Stanley Cup championship that has eluded the Canucks since their entry into the NHL in 1970.
In reality, it’s not about building a winning team – it’s about building a winning organization.
I’ll always remember what former Canuck executive George McPhee said after his Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
“Low ego and hard-working. That ‘s what makes the difference. The character of all these players on the ice is one thing but the character behind the bench, the character with ownership, management and scouts, equipment managers and trainers…it matters. It makes a difference,” said McPhee moments after his team had won it all.
Simply put, organizations win championships – not teams.
And that is the assignment that faces the Sedins and Johnson as they go through this process.
It’s not just about building a culture in the dressing room but in the entire building at Rogers Arena.
A winning culture is about getting a buy-in from EVERYONE – not just the players.
And how do you do that?
Inclusion.
There can be no cliques on the team or in the organization. Your leadership core has to make sure to get everyone to invest and that is applicable not just to a first-line player but the seventh defenseman or back-up goaltender as well.
It also applies to everyone else from equipment managers to locker room attendants to your scouting staff.
Simply put, it’s an organizational philosophy that operates at a high standard and one which has individuals holding each other accountable if the standard is not met.
You treat everyone in the organization with respect and respect the job that they are doing.
If a member of your social media team asks for something, you do it – you don’t blow them off.
If someone asks you to go visit Canuck Place Children Hospice, you do it. You don’t come up with an excuse.
A winning culture puts the organization ahead of the individual.
It’s about sacrifice and a commitment to being the best you can possibly be.
It’s a big challenge but the rewards are well worth it.
Now we get to see if the Sedins and Ryan Johnson are up to the task.
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