DEL
That’s how Jackson’s emotional hockey goodbye went
Successful coach Don Jackson is leaving EHC Red Bull Munich. photo
© Jordan Raza/dpa
Don Jackson breaks up. The most successful coach in the German Ice Hockey League says goodbye emotionally – but stays with Red Bull. His likely successor is no stranger.
When master trainer Don Jackson saw videos of all his Munich ice hockey successes on the small monitor, he grabbed his handkerchief. The 66-year-old American cried before announcing the end of his career as a coach in the crowded press room at EHC Red Bull Munich. “It was a simple decision for me, but an emotional one,” Jackson said, thanking his family for their support. Again and again his voice faltered. Then Jackson got up and hugged EHC manager Christian Winkler. Both cried next to the sparkling DEL trophy.
With Jackson’s resignation, the most successful coaching career in the history of the German Ice Hockey League ended on Friday after 1072 games. “I knew the time was right for this decision. When I come home to Kansas, I’ll get my grandchildren and we’ll go to the park. Before that, I’ll kiss my wife Nancy,” said Jackson with anticipation, describing what was to come as a “third period” of his life.
Five championship titles in Berlin
Almost 20 years ago, Jackson first made a name for himself as a coach in Germany with the Düsseldorfer EG. He hoarded five championship titles from 2008 with the Eisbären Berlin – and almost a decade later almost as many with Munich. Jackson, who won the Stanley Cup twice as a player alongside the great Wayne Gretzky, celebrated his fourth title with the financially strongest German club last Sunday by beating Ingolstadt.
Jackson’s huge ice hockey know-how impressed. His reputation was excellent. “He’s world-class as a coach, but even better as a person. What he’s done for others is unbelievable. He’s never focused on himself,” said Winkler. The manager cried again as he recounted all the memories he shared with Jackson. “It was the best nine years we’ve had with Don here,” he said.
Söderholm should take over
Jackson leaves a big gap at the EHC – according to media reports, the former national coach Toni Söderholm should fill it. Nothing was announced on Friday. “I think today is the day that should be all about Don Jackson,” Winkler said.
The solution Söderholm seems likely. The 45-year-old Finn has already ended his engagement at SC Bern, for which he left the German Ice Hockey Federation head over heels last November, after disappointing months.
As a player, Söderholm was involved in the first Munich championship in 2016 under Jackson. He was then supported in his ambitious coaching career by the Red Bull Group. Jackson’s transfer to Söderholm seems logical.
And what’s next for Jackson? The American remains with the Red Bull group. “We’re an organization with a lot of coaches. Don will take all the coaches by the hand and share his experience,” Winkler said, announcing, “I’ll keep bugging you Don. I’ll call you even if you’re in Kansas are you”. Both exited the tearful press conference with a laugh.