Chuck Fletcher On NHL Live! Today

Chuck Fletcher discusses Mike Ramsey, and other topics on NHL Live today.

(Link via Kevin Falness of Wild Radio)

Reaction on Ramsey From @RussoStrib

Make sure to check out Russo’s take on the the departure of Mike Ramsey from the Wild bench. You can find it over at Russo’s Rants, as always.

From the post:

I can’t imagine this is a full retirement for Ramsey. He’s a hockey man, has been in the game for 30 years and to just give it up, I can’t see it. Yes, he probably takes some time away from the game, but I bet we eventually see Ramsey back in the sport in some capacity.

Agreed. Rammer will be back.

Minnesota Wild Press Release RE: Mike Ramsey

MIKE RAMSEY STEPS DOWN AS MINNESOTA WILD ASSISTANT COACH
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced that Mike Ramsey has stepped down from his post as Assistant Coach effective immediately.

"The Wild thanks Mike for his 10 great years of service to this organization," Fletcher said. "We respect his decision and appreciate the countless hours and contributions he made to the Minnesota Wild franchise."
Ramsey, 49 (12/3/60), was named a Wild Assistant Coach on July 24, 2000 and helped lead the team to a combined record of 331-291-116 and three playoff appearances. Prior to joining the Wild he spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Minneapolis, Minn., native enjoyed a very successful playing career that included participation in four NHL All-Star Games (1982, 1983, 1985 and 1986) and Rendez-Vous ‘87. He also was a member of the University of Minnesota’s 1979 NCAA Championship squad and the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, which upset the Soviet Union and went on to capture the gold medal in Lake Placid, New York.

Of the 18 seasons Ramsey played in the NHL, 14 were spent skating for the Sabres (1979-93). He was traded from Buffalo to Pittsburgh in March of 1993, and eventually finished his career with the Detroit Red Wings. Ramsey went to the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals with Detroit, and made a brief two-game comeback during the 1996-97 season before retiring. He still ranks third on Buffalo’s all-time regular season games played list with 911. In 1,070 career NHL contests, Ramsey totaled 79 goals, 266 assists, 345 points and 1,012 penalty minutes (PIM). He participated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 15 of his 18 seasons and notched 37 points (8-29=37) and 176 PIM in 115 postseason contests. Ramsey was originally the Sabres’ first choice (11th overall) in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.

More Reaction on Ramsey's Departure from Todd Richards

Glen Andersen has Head Coach Todd Richards' reaction to Mike Ramsey’s departure:

“This just happened,” he noted. “I’ve had a weekend to think about it. There’s been lots of emotions that have gone along with it.”

“I don’t need to be in a rush,” said Richards. “There’s lots of very good candidates out there. What I’ll make sure I do is take my time and make sure I get the right person.”

Audio from Mike Ramsey via @PONDcast

Mike Ramsey comments on his decision to step down with Wild Radio’s Kevin Falness. Find audio HERE.

Mike Ramsey Steps Down as Wild Assistant Coach

The Minnesota Wild have announced that Assistant Coach Mike Ramsey has stepped down effective immediately. Ramsey has been with the team since 2000.

From Glen Andersen on Wild.com:

"[The decision] is not something that, believe me, happened for me overnight or anything like that," said Ramsey, who informed General Manager Chuck Fletcher and Head Coach Todd Richards of his decision on Friday. "I've been in the game for 30 years now, and I've been with the Wild for 10. It's been an awesome 10 years, and at the end of the year, you start reflecting on all the things you've done with the team and the time you spent at the rink, and the travel, and this and that. Going forward, I thought it was a good time for me to step down and pursue other things."

Ramsey is, of course, a Minnesota hockey legend after playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Miracle on Ice team in 1980.

Being a long time assistant coach, the fact that he has stepped down is not a shock. Citing missing time with his family, but also hedging that by saying "I don't think this is the end of Mike Ramsey in hockey. This is just a break I think," it is safe to say that Ramsey would be welcome by nearly any team at any level.

Good luck Rammer, you will certainly be missed.