Big news from the Triple-A club as Dale Tallon finally settled on Mike Santos’ successor: Florida assistant GM Eric Joyce. From the Panthers via SARampage.com…
Joyce, 36, joined the Panthers organization prior to the 2013-2014 season, serving as the club’s Assistant to the General Manager. He worked closely with Tallon on numerous projects, including developing the club’s analytics department, as well as planning the team’s rookie and training camps.
“Eric is a smart and hard-working individual who is the perfect fit to oversee our American Hockey League affiliate,” said Tallon. “He will play an important role ensuring that our prospects continue to grow and develop in a successful environment in San Antonio.”
Prior to joining the Panthers, Joyce was an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy where he taught Cadets Counterterrorism and Homeland Security. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Joyce also held numerous positions in the government and the private sector focusing on national security. Joyce served as an Army Captain in Operation Iraqi Freedom III in Mosul, Iraq, from 2004-2005 and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star and the Valorous Unit Citation.
Quite the impressive resume; certainly has that elusive “leadership” thing nailed. A bit more, including his hockey history (which appears to be on the somewhat thin side, but hey, he was busy – see above), is found here.
We’re also awaiting word from the Panthers as to whether Joyce will retain his assistant GM spot – as did Santos in a similar dual-role gig – or look elsewhere to fill the hole. I’d personally rather see the two positions remain separate of each other as responsibilities in each office can only be increasing; however, heading up the AHL club undoubtedly allows for a greater personal grasp of not only up-and-coming talent from around that league but an intimate knowledge of a remarkably diverse collection of depth players. Which can’t hurt.
UPDATE: Florida PR confirms Joyce will remain with the Panthers in a dual-role capacity as assistant general manager.
Joyce a wise hire?
| Yes – can’t argue with that pedigree and hardcore leadership experience | 52 |
| No – too little hockey background regardless of Military success | 16 |
| Yet to be determined – too many factors in play to make a call either way | 25 |