Malarchuk leaving Thunder

Tim Graham

Tuesday, June 2, 1998 | 10:59 a.m.

The Cowboy is riding off into the sunset.

Clint Malarchuk, one of the last remaining links to the Las Vegas Thunder's inaugural season and the only player in team history to have his jersey retired, is leaving.

The Cowboy Goalie joined the Thunder in 1993 to settle down after a 10-year NHL career. He worked for the team either on the ice or in the front office ever since.

But on Monday night, Malarchuk stunned his former employer when he accepted a head coaching offer from the Idaho Steelheads of the West Coast Hockey League, an admitted step down from the International Hockey League.

He flew to Boise this morning to sign the contract and take part in a press conference.

"This is emotional," he said. "The Thunder has been fabulous to me throughout my career with them.

"When I told (general manager) Bob Strumm about my decision, it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. There were lots of tears. It's not going to be easy to leave."

The Steelheads deal marked the end of a courtship that began shortly after the Thunder was ousted from the IHL playoffs in April, signifying the end of Malarchuk's contract.

He visited Boise on May 19, and both sides came away impressed. The Steelheads chose him as their top candidate ahead of former San Jose Sharks assistant Derek Eisler.

"My final decision was based on what's best for my family," Malarchuk said. "There is stability, and it's a good move career-wise."

Malarchuk, 37, agreed to a three-year contract with the Steelheads worth a reported $65,000 a year. He also will serve as the team's director of hockey operations.

A source close to the Thunder claimed the team offered Malarchuk one year at around $55,000 -- the same salary he made last season as an assistant to Chris McSorley, who resigned during the campaign. The source added Malarchuk did not receive a raise after replacing McSorley.

Malarchuk confirmed the Thunder's bid was for one year, but would not divulge its potential value, stating "It really wasn't about the money." Yet he told the Idaho Statesman newspaper last week the offer was "not real flattering."

According to Thunder part-owner Ken Stickney, however, his team's proposal was reasonable.

"We offered Clint a very competitive salary, similar to what Chris McSorley was making, based on bonuses and performance clauses," Stickney said. "For the same money we won't have any trouble getting any coach we want.

"I'm surprised. But I've talked to Clint a few times in the last couple of weeks, and there are a lot of things going on in Clint's life that made this a good fit for him. This was not all about hockey. I'm excited for him."

When asked if he would have stayed in Las Vegas had the Thunder offered a three-year pact, Malarchuk replied "probably. But I didn't think that was realistic right now."

"To offer someone three years -- to kind of an unproven coach -- is a bit risky," Stickney said. "But I certainly would have offered a two-year deal."

Malarchuk was concerned with the Thunder's current financial status and the fact the team's lease with the Thomas & Mack Center expires after next season.

"That played on my mind," he said. "But in the long run it didn't affect my decision because I think the Thunder will survive and continue to grow."

The Thunder issued a press release on Monday outlining its progress with the T&M in negotiating for an extension.

But now the team has another pressing concern on its off-season agenda. Without a head coach in place, molding a team becomes increasingly difficult.

Strumm was in Chicago for the IHL general manager meetings and could not be reached for comment. He supposedly had compiled a short list of potential replacements for Malarchuk, but did not intend to use it.

"There's not any lack of quality coaching candidates," Stickney said. "We certainly have a stack of inquiries. Clint was our first choice, but we'll go out and get someone who is first-class, someone we can really build around."

Malarchuk was supposed to be that man.

He obtained his first head coaching position when McSorley stepped down on March 5. Malarchuk was promoted from assistant general manager-coach and went 6-9-4.

The Thunder finished with the worst record in franchise history at 33-39-10.

Malarchuk agreed that his down shift from one of the IHL's more successful teams to the low minors could be viewed by some as strange, but added his career prospects eventually will improve.

"When I was thrown into it, I learned very quickly," Malarchuk said. "But I do realize I got a ways to go. For career purposes this move will be good.

"It's less pressure and less talent. That allows you to grow as a coach."

Malarchuk refuses to assess his coaching future beyond his current post.

"Right now," he said, "I think I just want to really learn and become the best possible coach I can be. I can't say I'm aspiring to be in the NHL because there are a lot of quality guys out there looking for work.

"I have to see how I grow, and if my talents are there to pursue (higher-level jobs)."

The move also will place the Malarchuk family closer to their hometowns. Malarchuk, who has three children ranging in age from six weeks to 13 years, is a Calgary native. His wife, Christy, hails from Northern Nevada.

The family's Canuck Ranch in northwest Las Vegas -- Malarchuk's first year-round home -- will soon go up for sale. He intends to live on another spread in Boise, but contends this one will be "much smaller."

His goaltending record with the Thunder was 50-24-10. He retired following the 1994-95 season, but made a special appearance the night his number was hoisted into the T&M rafters and then played three games as an emergency backup in 1996-97.

"I certainly can't put into words the feelings I have for Las Vegas," Malarchuk said. "I had my jersey (No. 30) retired here. I forged a lot of relationships with people in the community and the fans who showed up to the games.

"I never expected to leave here."