Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

All Bruce Boudreau

02/03/2023 at 1:20pm EST

from Stan Fischler of The Hockey News,

Knowing Bruce since the late 1970s when he was a Maple Leafs rookie, I gave him a call the other night to get a line on how an old pal is doing. We chatted about several topics, and Boudreau's answers follow the subject headings just ahead.

HIS SUDDEN CHANGES OF PACE:

"It's been like going from 90 miles an hour to zero. From excitement to boredom. I was lucky to have my wife Crystal, who has been a big part of my support, helping out. And I know I left Vancouver with the support of my players. The young guys were behind me and so were the vets. The reaction of the players made me feel good. They all knew what was going on."

HIS REACTION TO THE DISMISSAL:

"I was angry when I was fired because I hate losing a job. I always want to finish what I start."

INTENSE ADMIRATION FROM VANCOUVER FANS:

"I can't explain it because I've never seen anything like it. Never. Not anywhere. I think that part of it stems from the fact that I gave them hope. They had gotten to know me long enough and they appreciated the fact that I was honest with them. I believe that they took a liking to me because they saw me as a regular, normal guy – like them – who just happened to be doing the job that I loved."

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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