The Boston Bruins have made Jim Montgomery the team’s new head coach.
Updated yesterday at 3:15 p.m.
The Quebecer thus becomes the 29e head coach in the history of training. The Bruins fired Bruce Cassidy on June 6.
“Jim has a winning track record and through the hiring process he has proven his ability to connect with all types of players and implement a game structure. We are happy that Jim can leave his mark on our team,” said Don Sweeney, the team’s general manager, in a press release on Friday.
Montgomery, 53, was behind the Dallas Stars bench for two seasons, from 2018 to 2019.
In December 2019, the Montrealer was relieved of his duties for violating the team’s code of ethics and misconduct. In January 2020, he announced that he was in the process of rehabilitation to resolve problems related to alcohol abuse. It was his alcohol problems that would have driven him out of Dallas.
A few months later, in September, the Blues hired him to support Craig Berube as assistant coach.
In 113 games as head coach in the NHL, Montgomery is 60-43-10.
Rick Bowness back in Winnipeg
Another former Dallas Stars got a job on Friday. Rick Bowness, who took the Stars to the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals, would return to where his career began, in Winnipeg.
PHOTO GERRY BROOME, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rick Bowness behind the Stars bench in April 2021
At least that’s what journalist Darren Dreger of the TSN network announced.
The 67-year-old had decided to leave his position in Texas at the end of the most recent season. He had been with the Stars organization for five seasons, first as an assistant coach and then as a head coach for three years.
It was in Winnipeg during the 1988-1989 season that he had his first chance as head coach. Since then, he has made his mark across the four corners of the NHL, both as head coach and assistant coach, making stops in Boston, Ottawa, Long Island, Phoenix, Vancouver and Tampa Bay.
Alain Nasreddine finds a job
Alain Nasreddine also received good news. The Dallas Stars have announced that they have added the Quebecer to their coaching staff. He will be one of Peter DeBoer’s assistants.
Nasreddine has spent the past seven years behind the bench for the New Jersey Devils, including half a season as interim head coach.