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ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Get to Know Head Coach Anthony Noreen

July 1, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting Bob Mills caught up with new Solar Bears Head Coach Anthony Noreen, Solar Bears players Eric Baier and Carl Nielsen, and the #17 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft Kyle Connor to learn more about Coach Noreen.

Coach Noreen:

Q: What are your thoughts on coming to Orlando to join the Solar Bears?

A: I was thrilled from the very first interview and now I'm excited to get started. Everything about the Solar Bears was first class, starting with the way I was treated by Joe Haleski and Jason Siegel. The facilities at the Amway Center and the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den are unbelievable.

Q: Talk about your coaching style. What can fans in Orlando expect from you?

A: I like my teams to play an aggressive, high pace style. I put an emphasis on playmaking, speed, and physicality. We will play fast and hard. I believe the culture of the team is very important - you have to do the right thing the right way both on and off the ice.

Q: How has developing players in the USHL helped prepare you for developing players in the ECHL?

A: In the USHL, my number one job was to develop people as well as players. It is important to teach players to be professionals. Here in Orlando it is no different. I want players who are hungry to improve and develop both on and off the ice. I want to bring in guys who are eager to learn and advance their careers.

Q: What are your goals for this season?

A: I want our team to be the best conditioned team in the league, the hardest team to play against. We need to have unbelievable chemistry in the locker room and on the ice. I want our players to give back to the community, be ingrained and do everything the right way. The process is very important to give yourself a chance to win and make a run at a championship.

Q: You are going to Toronto Maple Leafs Developmental Camp next week. What are you hoping to learn there?

A: There are so many tremendous coaches in the Toronto organization. I believe the day you stop learning as a coach is the day to hang it up, and there aren't many better guys to learn from than Mike Babcock. I want to learn what the Maple Leafs and Marlies value. It is part of my job to develop players to go have success at the next level, so learning what is important to them is a huge part of that. Going to Development Camp in Toronto will be an invaluable experience.

Eric Baier:

Q: You had a chance to talk to Coach Noreen yesterday. What did you learn that makes you excited to play for him next season?

A: It's going to be an exciting season. We are all going to be working hard to continue to have success here in Orlando. Coach has a great mindset and will hold everyone accountable. He wants to have a tight team - attitude and chemistry are of upmost importance. We are going to work hard, have fun, and I'm excited for a fresh start.

Carl Nielsen:

Q: What are your thoughts on Coach Noreen and the upcoming season?

A: I'm excited for the upcoming season. With a new coach, there are always going to be changes, and Coach Noreen will bring new ideas and methods to the table. I look forward to getting to know his philosophies and, as one of the older players on the team, to helping him however I can. We are going to keep taking steps in the right direction and hopefully we can go a little deeper in the playoffs this year.

Kyle Connor:

Q: How much did you enjoy playing for Coach Noreen in Youngstown?

A: It was a great experience playing for Coach Noreern. He is very passionate, both on and off the ice. He was always available for anything we needed and to help with skill development even after practice ended.

Q: How did Coach Noreen help your development to eventually become the #17 overall pick in the NHL Draft?

A: He played a huge factor in my development. I was very young when I started in Youngstown, and he took me under his wing. Coach has a great work ethic and does an excellent job of connecting with his players.

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