Sacco a finalist for NHL Coach of the Year

From GoTerriers.com

After leading the Colorado Avalanche to the National Hockey League playoffs in his first season as the team's head coach, former Terrier Joe Sacco has been named a finalist for this year's Jack Adams Award, given annually to the NHL's Coach of the Year.

Last June, Sacco was named the Avalanche's head coach after a 2008-09 season that saw the team finish in last place in the Western Conference. Sacco orchestrated a 26-point turnaround, as this year's squad posted a 43-30-9 record, good for 95 points and an eighth-place finish.

Sacco and the Avalanche faced the top-seeded San Jose Sharks in the first round and won two of the first three contests in the best-of-seven series before falling in six games.

The other two finalists for this year's Jack Adams Award are Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators and Dave Tippett of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Looking ahead

2010 recruit Adam Clendening spoke with the Buffalo News about his standout performance in the World U18s and his hopes to play in more international events. NTDP Coach Kurt Kleinendorst evaluated his blueliners and power play quarterback, who led all defensemen in scoring at the Worlds:

He was our best defenseman. He's self motivated. He shows up every day for practice and does everything you ask him, pays attention at all the meetings. If he was a little bit older and getting paid to play I would tell you he's a pro. That's the way he conducts himself.

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