Latest news with #Peca
Chicago Tribune
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Bench men: Get to know the new Chicago Blackhawks assistant coaches — and their roles under Jeff Blashill
Experience can make the best teachers. And the Chicago Blackhawks definitely will have lessons to learn from new coach Jeff Blashill's staff. For a team that needs more defense from its forward, Michael Peca is a two-time Selke Trophy winner. For the young players who need development and continuity, Anders Sörensen coached many of them in Rockford and as the interim Hawks coach last year. For the top units that need to go from average to good, or from good to great, Mike Vellucci has coached teams at three levels of hockey — NAHL, OHL and AHL — to championships and has worked one-on-one with stars such as Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. Each assistant coach talked to the Tribune, breaking down their roles and offering a deep dive into how they hope to help the Hawks emerge from their rebuilding stage. Peca gets how most forwards think — he didn't think of himself as a defender either. Coming out of junior hockey, where he had 50 goals and 63 assists in his last season with the Ottawa 67's, he knew his future would be as an offensive winger, not a defensive center. But that all changed by the time he was at his second NHL stop, with the Buffalo Sabres. 'I still remember when (coach) Ted Nolan told me I was going to start playing against the other teams' best players in the '96-97 season,' Peca said. His first assignment was the Colorado Avalanche's Peter Forsberg. 'You're kind of scared out of your mind, initially, and you think you're going to freeze up and not handle the puck and play this kind of rigid, sit-back defense. And then as my linemates (Jason Dawe and Randy Burridge) and I started to go through this, we're like, 'Listen, the quicker we defend and get pucks back … the offensive players, they didn't care that much about transitioning back to defense.' 'So we found that the quicker we defended without the puck, to get pucks back and create turnovers, the more offense we actually created for ourselves. We were getting more offense than our top line was (getting) in an easier matchup because we were just defending better. 'So that's going to be the theme (with the Hawks): The better you defend, the more offense you actually create.' A lot of forwards preach defense in theory, but it's another thing to commit to it. If there's one thing Peca wants to drill, it's the notion that committing to defense detracts from offense. 'It makes no sense,' Peca, 51, said. 'There are great offensive players (who), when they don't have the puck, can read transition better than most players in the game. 'Playing defense isn't about setting up a wall and blocking all kinds of shots. When you have speed and skill like the Blackhawks do, you've got to change their thought process and what it means to defend. Defense is, how quickly can we get the puck back? 'Also, having more zone time doesn't guarantee quality chances, but at times players may cheat for offense and cost themselves defensively because they're not in position. … Cheating below oftentimes has no bearing on getting scoring chances.' Peca said forwards who skate hard on the backcheck not only allow their defensemen to have a tighter gap but also create a bigger gap for themselves on counter-rushes. Peca also wants his forwards to carry that defensive mindset even into the offensive zone. 'The forecheck is not an offensive situation,' he said. 'Once you deposit that puck into the zone, now it's a 50-50 puck, and there's a good chance they get to it first, half the time. So now it's our stick details, it's angling details, it's how do we get that puck back? 'You can almost just say it's just playing hockey.' As it stands right now, Peca, who coached the power play for the New York Rangers, will take charge of the Hawks penalty kill. 'As a player, there's nothing I enjoyed more than killing penalties,' he said. The Hawks had the 14th-ranked PK (79.3%) last season, and Peca believes he can build on that foundation. 'Special teams, especially penalty killing, is more for smart players than talented players,' he said. 'You've got to be able to see things before they happen. You've got to really build a mental database of … what (teams') tendencies are, and it helps you think a little bit ahead of what's going on.' For all his defense-based philosophies, Peca also has to get more offensive production from a team that ranked 26th with 2.73 goals per game. So you could argue he's the assistant coach with the most heavy lifting to do. But Peca let it be known: He's built for rebuilds. 'I decided to be a hockey player at a young age, but if I didn't do anything (else), I knew I wanted to be an architect,' he said. 'There's a thing about the artistry of it and the building concept of it, building things.' Like he felt as a player on six NHL teams — most of them weren't wagons: 'I love going somewhere and helping it resurrect itself from the ground up,' he said. 'I don't see this team or this organization on the ground level right now,' Peca said. 'They've got some really wonderful pieces and it's already kind of started to ascend. The staff that Jeff has put together, it gives us a really good opportunity to build something from the first day of training camp and enjoy watching how it flourishes.' Let's address the elephant in the room. Sörensen wasn't shoehorned onto Blashill's staff because he played the good soldier as interim head coach after the Hawks fired Luke Richardson on Dec. 5 and promoted the former Rockford IceHogs coach. General manager Kyle Davidson said just after the season that he would find a place for Sörensen in the organization, and Blashill said it would be with him. 'I've known Anders for a long, long time,' Blashill said during his introductory news conference on May 27. 'I have tons of belief in him as a coach and person. He's a great fit to help guide our young players. He has relationships with a number of guys, which I think is important because it keeps some continuity on the staff. 'He's very smart, very calm and I've learned a lot from him over the years in different coaching settings, so he'll stay on staff.' Sörensen told the Tribune: 'Kyle brought it up when he let me know that they were going in that direction, they're going with Jeff. … I think Jeff had mentioned in his interview process that he'd like to keep me on board in a capacity.' Sörensen, 50, and Blashill, 51, discussed working together the next day. And the pair has history, dating to Blashill's days as coach of the USHL Indiana Ice and Sörensen's time as a Chicago Mission coach. 'Jeff and I go way back,' Sörensen said. 'I got to know him throughout the years of different coaches clinics and seminars, and he's one of those guys that I've always stayed in touch with and just picked his brain in different areas. 'Seemed like we always met up in the summers. Notre Dame used to have a coaches clinic where you'd bring in NHL, AHL, college and junior coaches, so we always used to see each other there and just exchange ideas.' Sörensen said he 'absolutely' got a fair shake from Davidson at the permanent role after finishing 17-30-9 as interim coach, and he learned a lot from the experience. 'It was almost like you get (thrown) right in the fire,' he said. 'The biggest difference (from the AHL) is, in the NHL, obviously the stakes are higher, but everything is magnified.' He didn't have a training camp to mold the team, but he said players welcomed him and his ideas, and Davidson was 'very up front' about his expectations. 'So I felt nothing but support throughout the whole season,' Sörensen said. Now, Sörensen replaces Kevin Dean as defensive coach. Sörensen hadn't yet hashed out with Blashill what the scheme will look like when he spoke with the Tribune, but one of his main charges will be developing a very young blue-line group. Here are some of the likely options to make the roster out of camp, and their ages before training camp in September. Connor Murphy, 32, is the only likely starter whose birth year begins with a '19' — and he's rumored to be a trade candidate. So Sörensen's job will be as much about the ABCs of the position as the X's and O's. 'I know most of them,' he said, alluding to his time in Rockford. 'I know their game, know their strengths and weaknesses, things they have to work on. 'There's a lot of potential in this group. I really like the group that Kyle and management have drafted and put on the ice here, so I really have a lot of belief in this group. So for me, it's just a matter of getting the best out of them every day and keep their development path going.' Details, details, details. If the 58-year-old Farmington, Mich., native mentioned that word once, he must've uttered it 30 times during his talk with the Tribune. Through the NAHL (Detroit Compuware Ambassadors), OHL (Plymouth Whalers) and AHL (Charlotte Checkers) — with a trophy at each stop — 'we just consistently had details, we consistently built our game over the whole season,' Vellucci said. 'One of the proudest things people would say is that our teams got better as the season went on, and that to me is development,' he said. Vellucci will shepherd the Hawks power play, but you could probably add director of details to his job title, especially in practice. 'It's all the details we're trying to do out of the drill: So we want the outside stick, we want to make sure that you're finishing your route,' he gave as an example. 'Having details of that go a long way, and all the elite players have it.' It's a skill he learned while working as an assistant for five seasons under Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. 'We think alike, as far as having details of being organized,' Vellucci said. 'One of the biggest things is how he manages the star players, seeing his interaction with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, just seeing his day-to-day meetings and how he deals with the star player. 'Going to Pittsburgh to be able to talk with Sidney Crosby and help him with the details of his games, or areas that he needs to improve, holding him accountable, that's what I think was the biggest lesson out of Pittsburgh.' Elite players such as Crosby, who happens to be Connor Bedard's idol, can put up plenty of points, 'but play away from the puck has to have more detail,' Vellucci said. 'So it's just getting them to understand that and showing them and working with them, and holding them accountable 'All the star players I've worked with, Sidney Crosby, he wants to tell him the truth, because he wants to get better and he wants to be the best in the world. And that's how he became the best in the world is (by) having that desire to get better. 'Getting the buy-in and not being afraid to have those hard conversations is the biggest thing.' In Pittsburgh, Vellucci worked with the forwards and penalty kill. With the U.S. team this summer, he helped coach Hawks players Frank Nazar and Vlasic and others to the Americans' first World Championship gold medal since 1933. He helmed the forwards and power play. In Chicago, Vellucci inherits a Hawks power play that ranked seventh (24.9%) in success rate. Vellucci said he mostly helmed power plays when he was a junior and minor-league coach. The Hawks ranked 30th last season in power-play opportunities (189) and last in power-play shots (228). 'There's definitely ways you can get more man advantages by playing faster, being competitive, getting to the blue paint in the offensive zone and making them haul you down by playing a fast game and getting to those dirty areas,' Vellucci said. 'Having the puck more is another way.' Vellucci said he did a preliminary analysis of the Hawks power play, including areas on the ice where they scored goals and under what circumstances. 'There's definitely areas to improve,' he said. 'We only had one goal off the rush, as far as my calculation. … There's opportunities to score more off the rush. A team like Boston had 15 goals off the rush.' He's optimistic he can squeeze more out of the Hawks. 'They're very talented, the unit of five (Hawks) that I watched from last year, and do a lot of really good things, and I think that there's other areas to improve on,' Vellucci said.
Express Tribune
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC issues last warning to respondents in PECA case
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued last warning to the ministries of law and information technology, the FIA and the PTA to submit their replies in petitions challenging the controversial amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas stated that the court would proceed with the case even if responses were not filed. The IHC heard joint petitions filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), anchorpersons and journalist bodies. During the hearing, Justice Minhas remarked he believed that this case would take a long time and suggested scheduling it after Eid. Advocate Imran Shafique argued that the federal government had only submitted replies through the ministries of interior and information but not from the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs or the PTA. He further noted that the government had filed an unusual reply questioning the court's jurisdiction, claiming that after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, only a constitutional bench of the high court could hear this case. Advocate Shafique rejected the government's argument, calling it an attempt to delay the proceedings. He pointed to a second objection that cited a Quranic verse, suggesting that one should verify information before sharing it. "People are being booked in FIRs and the court should expedite the case," he argued. Justice Minhas questioned whether journalists were currently able to report news freely. He asked whether any news was being blocked or anyone was stopping from giving or publishing news. Advocate Raisat Ali Azad requested the court to issue a stay order to prevent journalists from being arrested or having FIRs registered against them for reporting news.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Under Jeff Blashill, a new era has emerged with Michael Peca's appointment as assistant coach of the Chicago Blackhawks
Michael Peca, a name well-known to NHL fans for his stellar two-way style of play, is taking the next step down the coaching path. In transitioning under newly appointed head coach Jeff Blashill, the Blackhawks have afforded Peca the opportunity to lend that experienced voice on the bench as assistant coach. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A player who has been known for his defensive style and a coach who has developed in a gentle stead, Peca's experience could have provided the structure and veteran presence the rebuilding Blackhawks team so dearly needs. Bringing strategic depth to Jeff Blashill's staff During his playing days, Michael Peca was widely respected as an elite two-way player. Since retiring in 2009, he has slowly made a name for himself in coaching. Considered a native of Toronto, Peca changed his post-playing career from playing to coaching by first serving as a Junior-level coach for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. He took a direct interest in player development, which encouraged him to move to the Washington Capitals as a player development coach. He developed his reputation further at the Rochester Americans, AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, where his leadership skills and development work with young players were highly praised. Most recently, Peca was promoted to a bigger NHL assistant coaching role with the New York Rangers under Peter Laviolette. However, despite leading the Rangers to a playoff appearance, the entire coaching staff, including Peca, was let go at season's end. Currently aged 51, Peca is setting off on his newest sojourn with the Chicago Blackhawks, in a franchise undergoing much transformation. Peca's appointment almost directly followed on the heels of Jeff Blashill's appointment as the weekend coach. Now also 51, Blashill has not wasted time shaping his coaching staff, and in quick succession, committed to Jimmy Waite as goaltending coach, kept Anders Sorensen's title from his interim period, and signed Peca for some added experience and structure on the bench. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Balancing Peca's approach in managing seasoned players with young talent will be essential during the Blackhawks' rebuilding phase with prospects such as Connor Bedard. In terms of tactics, Peca would emphasize defensive discipline, his trademark during his playing days, where he won two Selke Trophies complementary style to Blashill's efforts on system coaching. Together, this pair hopes to create a more unified and competitive Athletic Chicago brand that can then offer the viability for long-term success. Also Read: Jeff Blashill returns as Blackhawks head coach to lead NHL rebuild Michael Peca's arrival on the Chicago Blackhawks bench is much more than another coaching shuffle; instead, it is a culture change. A coach possessing NHL and developmental experience is the type of coach Jeff Blashill is bringing in to hopefully inaugurate a new era. Peca may very well be the dust-off the Blackhawks need to help them push on their way back to relevance in the NHL.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt initiates talks on canals controversy
The government initiated face-to-face talks with stakeholders in Sindh regarding the Indus canals issue. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) delegation visited protesting lawyers in Babarloi, Khairpur district. According to Express News, Shah met with Shehbaz at the Prime Minister'd House, where he expressed concerns about the proposed construction of six new canals on the Indus river. Sources said both sides shared their respective positions on the matter. Earlier in the day, PML-N Sindh President Bashir Memon visited the protesting lawyers who had blocked the National Highway in Babarloi, Khairpur, and held talks with Karachi Bar Association (KBA) President Aamir Nawaz Warraich and other lawyer leaders in an effort to end the sit-in. The latest development is seen as a follow-up to the contacts initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Adviser on Political Affairs with various political parties to address the widespread protests across Sindh. Memon and Rana Sana had reached out to Sindh Bar Council President Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo by phone, offering to initiate dialogue. Rana Sanaullah also spoke with Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon and various nationalist party leaders. The negotiations between the protesting lawyers and the PML-N delegation concluded in Sukkur, according to sources. The lawyers presented four demands to the federal government representatives, with the cancellation of the canal project being the top priority. Other demands included concerns over corporate farming, the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), and the 26th constitutional amendment. The PML-N delegation invited the lawyers to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The lawyer accepted the offer and a 14-member delegation would meet Shehbaz, it was agreed. "Our key demand is the issuance of a notification of scrapping the canal project. Our sit-in will continue until that happens. It would be ideal if the prime minister comes to Sukkur for the talks," Warraich said. Memon stated that they had received the lawyers' four-point list, which would be presented to the prime minister. "The next meeting will be held directly between the lawyers and the prime minister, where all matters will be resolved," he said, expressing hope for a positive outcome. Meanwhile, PML-Functional leader, Sardar Abdul Rahim, told reporters in Ranipur that Memon visited the protest site with a message from his party leadership. "The legal fraternity responded clearly: cancel the canal project, issue the notification, and then we will talk," he said.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
JIT to quiz PTI leaders over smear campaign today
Listen to article Five PTI leaders are supposed to appear today (Monday) before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing a smear campaign launched on social media against state institutions. The JIT has directed Hammad Azhar, Aliya Hamza, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Muhammad Kamran and Farrukh Habib to appear in person at 11am before it. The JIT will convene its meeting at the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Cybercrime Wing Headquarters in Islamabad. According to the notices issued by JIT member and Inquiry officer Mobin Zafar on April 9, there is sufficient material available with the JIT to assume that the PTI leaders are involved or closely acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the matter at hand. "In case of non-appearance, it will be assumed that you have nothing to present or state in your defense. Non-compliance to the matter is punishable under law. Therefore, your willful non-obedience of the order will render you liable for criminal proceedings u/s 174 PPC, 1860," it added. The PML-N led federal government constituted the JIT in terms of Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016 under the convenership of the FIA Cyber Crime Wing additional director general. The JIT is investigating alleged misuse of social media "for highly intimidating contents/ tweets to create fear/ unrest among the general public and discord against state institutions".
