BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins appointed Marco Sturm as their new coach on Thursday, aiming to lead the historic franchise back to the playoffs after their return for the first time since 2016.
The Bruins selected the 46-year-old German to take over from interim coach Joe Sacco, who stepped in for Jim Montgomery in November and ended the season with a 25-30-7 record. Trade deadline roster overhaul. Sturm, who spent the last three years as head coach of Ontario’s AHL team and guided Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, is a former player for the Bruins, sharing this connection with Cam Neely and general manager Don Sweeney.
“Boston has always held a special place in my heart. I understand how much this team represents the city and its fans,” Sturm, who played for the Bruins from 2005-2010, stated. “I felt that passion as a player, and I’m eager to feel it again from behind the bench. I’m excited to put in the work and do everything possible to help this team thrive.”
During his 14-season NHL career, primarily with the San Jose Sharks and Bruins, Sturm recorded 242 goals and 245 assists in 938 games, making him the second-highest scorer among German-born players in league history. As a coach, he served as an assistant for the Kings’ AHL affiliate, leading them to a record of 119-80-11-6 and three playoff appearances.
“Marco’s journey—playing across multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both AHL and NHL levels—has molded him into a well-rounded coach deserving of this opportunity,” Sweeney remarked. “As a former Bruin, he understands what this team means to the city and our fanbase. We’re excited for a fresh direction with Marco at the helm; his energy, standards, and commitment reflect what Bruins Hockey is all about.”
Sacco, who previously served as an assistant for the Bruins and head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, replaced Montgomery midway through the season but couldn’t propel the team into playoff contention.
Only three teams in the league performed worse, prompting CEO Charlie Jacobs to apologize to fans for the team’s performance, declaring the results “absolutely unacceptable.”
“We owe it to you to build a better team, and we are determined to do so,” he expressed after the season. “I share your disappointment and, frankly, my embarrassment regarding how poorly things have unfolded this year.”
Sacco was considered for the permanent position alongside others such as Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love, former Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson, and Bruins assistant Jay Leach.
Montgomery, aged 55, recorded a 120-41-23 record in his two seasons with the Bruins, leading them to over 100 points in both years, which included an NHL record of 65 wins and 135 points in his inaugural season.
Nonetheless, the Bruins fell in the first round of the playoffs that year and only reached the second round last year. Struggling with an 8-9-3 start this season led to Montgomery’s dismissal. He was quickly hired by the St. Louis Blues, where he signed a five-year contract, subsequently leading them to the playoffs, only to lose to the Winnipeg Jets in the first round.
Boston’s performance did not improve under Sacco.
As the trade deadline approached with a three-game winning streak, positioning them at 28-28, the Bruins made significant trades, moving Merchand— the last active member from the 2011 Stanley Cup Championship team—along with Justin Brazo, Mark McLaughlin, Trent Frederick, Charlie Coyle, and defenseman Brandon Carlo.
They left Sacco behind to manage the aftermath.
The depleted roster went on to lose 10 consecutive games—only 12 losses were recorded in the remarkable 2022-23 season under Montgomery—resulting in their descent into the NHL Draft Lottery after having initially been playoff contenders.
Despite the setbacks, the Bruins extended Sweeney’s contract for two more years, stating that Neely would provide stability during the coaching search.
“I believe in the plans he has been executing in recent months and look forward to what lies ahead for our team,” remarked the former Bruins forward about his fellow ex-Bruin player. “Boston’s expectations have always been clear: it’s all about winning the championship.”
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Source: apnews.com