The last time Wes Walz left the Tampa Bay Lightning organization it was in the middle of a season and lead to GM Barnes burning all of his hockey gear at a public ceremony. This time it was GM Barnes who decided he didn't need Walz's services anymore as he fired his ZPHL coach and hired John MacLean to replace him.

"I wanted to make a change in coaching ever since the season was over" Barnes stated. "I made an illegal offer to a coach earlier this month that was rejected but finally found a match in John MacLean yesterday, the deal was made very quickly thereafter."

Several unnamed sources within the Skeletordome actually suggested that this was the first domino of a more larger coaching reorganization within the Lightning franchise, something Barnes confirmed when asked.

"Yeah I do plan on flipping Renney to the Z and MacLean to the O when allowed" Barnes admitted. "I have already talked with Tom and he's fine with the switch. I firmly believe I have picked up a future Michael Scott winner in John MacLean so he might as well start with the big club. Hopefully this fends off the complainers of the league who will point out that I hired an NHL coach for my farm team."

From the Skeletordome this is Steve Barnes reporting...no relation.

Isnt Renney with the Oilers big club?,I was told NHL coaches couldnt coach in the ZPHL
albeit Krom could be wrong wouldnt be the first time

He's an assistant there to Pat Quinn.

Thats whatcha get for 1 upping me buckwheat