CAMBRIDGE — If it's true players take on the personality of their coach, that should bode well for the Cambridge RedHawks and their fans.
And not so well for opposing teams.
Known as a physical power forward with plenty of skill during his 18-year National Hockey League career, Todd Bertuzzi, who grew up in Sudbury, is planning to bring the same tenacity he played with to behind the bench at Galt Arena Gardens.
His hiring as head coach, which was announced last month and caught the attention of people across hockey, had been coming together behind the scenes for some time.
Living a short drive from the RedHawks' home rink, Bertuzzi was frequently in attendance to watch his friend's kids on the team over the past couple of seasons. When his presence evolved into conversations with ownership about getting involved, it was a decision that just made sense, he said.
"I decided it was a situation I didn't want to pass up," Bertuzzi said.
"I think we all have the same vision of where we want this organization to go and the direction we want to take it. It was an easy conversation for all of us to have and we're all on the same page."
The RedHawks are coming off a season in which they finished with a 27-18-4-1 record and lost to the Fort Erie Meteors in six games in the first round of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League playoffs.
Under new ownership that's built on success from the past, they averaged over 660 fans per game, a total that ranked them in the upper third of the league. With Bertuzzi now in the fold, sights have been set high for the future of the organization.
"Having a household NHL name makes people pay attention," Eric Boissonneault, co-owner of the team, said.
"His passion for the game and his excitement to be here coaching is contagious. Players will want to play for him. And then you add his experience and knowledge in the game and you get a recipe for success."
Bertuzzi wants the RedHawks to be an "up-tempo, fast paced, in-your-face hockey team." For those who watched him play for the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings, it's a style that's familiar.
Building a successful team starts with creating a positive environment, a process that begins well before the season gets underway, Bertuzzi believes.
"I have an open door policy," he said.
"I don't think any of these kids are ever going to be in the grey area with me, they're going to know exactly where I stand. I'm very stern, very professional. I know coming in and giving these kids this kind of leadership and structure is going to be beneficial for every one of them."
But Bertuzzi doesn't come without his critics.
His on ice play walked the line of being an impactful physical presence and finding himself in trouble with the league.
His most notorious moment came in March of 2004 as a member of the Vancouver Canucks in a game against the Colorado Avalanche. Following what the Canucks deemed a dirty hit by Steve Moore on their star player and captain Markus Naslund in a prior game, Bertuzzi punched Moore from behind before he fell to the ice.
Moore suffered three fractured vertebrae and would never play in the NHL again.
The incident resulted in a reported undisclosed settlement, Bertuzzi being suspended indefinitely and an emotional apology from the rugged winger.
Despite some people's perception of him, he's confident in who he is and his ability to lead young players to success on the ice and to becoming respectful men off it.
"I think that's for other people to decide," Bertuzzi said of his public image.
"I'm aware of who I am and what I come with. People have opinions of me and how I played, it doesn't really matter to me. I'm here to focus on the kids. I think you're going to see from the product we put out on the ice what kind of team and what I'm all about."
As the RedHawks look to take the next step and bring a Sutherland Cup championship to the city, ownership feels their new head coach is the man to help them do it.
Now, it's up to Bertuzzi to turn their vision into results.
"I have a lot to offer these kids as far as development and teaching them stuff I've learned over the years," he said.
"I think it's going to be a fun year."