The man known as “Rod the Bod” may soon be known as “Rod the Suit.”
The beaten-up former face of the Carolina Hurricanes franchise (after Ron Francis) was given a funky title today, as GM Jim Rutherford announced that the team named Rod Brind’amour its “Director of Forwards Development.”
Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that Rod Brind’Amour has been named director of forwards development for the team. Brind’Amour, who officially retired from hockey on June 30, 2010, is responsible for working with all forwards in the Hurricanes system, including drafted players in the Canadian major-junior hockey leagues, ECHL and American Hockey League (AHL). In addition to his work with the team’s prospects, Brind’Amour will also spend time on the ice with the Hurricanes’ NHL players during training camp and throughout the season.
“It is important for our team to have its most-accomplished players like Rod stay with the organization,” said Rutherford. “Rod is already displaying the same work ethic and dedication in his new role as he did with us as a player.”
The Hurricanes really didn’t do much this off-season, so they’ll need to get the most out of the players who were already in their system. Rutherford and Co. are hoping that Brind’amour can help them do just that.
Update: Carolyn Christians points out that the club has done this sort of thing before; retired defenseman Glen Wesley holds the title of Director of Defensemen Development. The Appreciative Association of Alliteration* approves.
* - I just made that group up.