Unwrapped presence

Some coaches just have an air about them

Presence: a person’s bearing or appearance; impressive bearing, personality, etc…

That is just the Webster’s New World Dictionary definition of presence. It fails to capture the essence of the quality -- the ability to enter a room and have everyone’s full and undivided attention without demanding it. It is certainly a desirable trait, even if possessing it does not guarantee a Stanley Cup. More than anything, a coach with presence is easily recognized.

The best example is Pat Quinn in Toronto. He is physically imposing, well-spoken and a lifetime hockey man, serving as a player, coach and GM. He is the only current coach/GM in the league. He can bellow with the best of them, but he doesn’t need to. He speaks his mind -- regardless of the forum or topic -- in a unique blend of salty frankness that is never condescending or salacious. Quinn is a throwback because he treats his players like men and expects them to perform accordingly.

Yet, he is no old-school romantic. He has adapted as the NHL has changed, most notably by welcoming the influx and influence of European players. A testament to his staying power is the fact that he will coach Team Canada this winter in Salt Lake City. He defined his role as to "get the most out of these elite athletes by managing their time and ensuring they are in situations in which they can be successful."

Far more controversial, but no less a presence is Mike Keenan. There is no doubt who is charge when Keenan is at the helm. And no one doubts his preparedness or competence. Long known as a "turnaround specialist," Keenan should seek more than just a short tenure in Florida. He would benefit from a longer stint. With more time, his messages and methods concerning nightly competitiveness will resonate. For Keenan, it is not a popularity contest -- it is all about preparing professionally and getting results. Like Quinn, he recognizes that elite athletes -- the best players -- need a special touch and treats them so. Double standard? No. Just exceedingly high team standards.

Brian Sutter is part of Canadian hockey’s first family. He played his entire career for the St. Louis Blues and beganning his coaching career there. Sutter the Coach learned on the job with stops in Boston and Calgary before landing in Chicago this year.

His style behind the bench is a direct derivative of his playing days -- honest, hard nosed and hard working. Sutter was part of the Blues when troubled ownership meant unrest and uncertainty for everyone involved. It taught him to focus on being prepared each and every game, to control only what he could.

What does that have to do with presence? Listen to Sutter talk about what makes a player and a team successful. It is amazing. The passion for NHL competition oozes from every syllable. Whether waxing on about what it takes to compete successfully in the NHL, or transfixing his piercing, steely stare in the direction of some poor laggard, Sutter’s countenance is pure hockey personified.

Then there is the case of Robbie Ftorek, whose unconventional style also is a direct result of the way he played. Nearly everything Ftorek does has an air of individuality, if not idiosyncrasy, to it.

His mix of quirkiness and cockiness endears him to some while estranging others. A volatile combination that is both disarming and unique -- regardless of your preference -- Ftorek gets your attention. And not solely because of the fashion casualties of wearing the old bubble-style helmet as he did with the Rangers, or donning sweaters instead of suits behind the bench as a rookie-coach for the Kings. In spite of the sometime-indulgent distractions, Ftorek-coached teams are determined, quick and effective. That fact is evident again with the Bruins ascent to the top of the Eastern Conference and his regular season winning-percentage approaching .600.

Certainly, that commands a little attention in its own right.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.

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