Ice hockey: ex-national coach Sturm’s first German chief coach in the NHL

The former ice hockey coach Marco Sturm becomes the new coach at the Boston Bruins and thus the first German chief coach in the North American professional league NHL. The former international was appointed Joe Sacco’s successor and thus fulfills a long -term dream. “I feel incredibly honored,” said the 46-year-old. “I look forward to going to work and doing everything to help this team to success.”

Sturm, as a national coach in 2018, surprisingly led the selection of the German Ice Hockey Association to the silver medal at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Then he wanted to make the leap into the NHL as an assistant coach at the Los Angeles Kings. From 2022 he was head coach for three years at the Kings farm team, the Ontario Reign. In the past, Sturm was already under discussion with the San Jose Sharks and the Seattle Kraken. Now he is supposed to lead the Boston Bruins back into the playoffs.

Boston’s general manager raves about Sturm

“Our goal was to find a coach that strengthens our defensive and at the same time helps us to develop the offensive,” General Manager Don Sweeney explained the obligation of the Dingolfing native. “We were looking for a communicative and leading trainer who can talk to the players, promotes young talents and has respect in the team.” Sweeney emphasized these requirements.

Sturm was already active for the Boston Bruins between 2005 and 2010. In 302 NHL games, he came up with 106 goals and 87 templates for the team from the US state of Massachusetts. “Boston has always taken a special place in my heart,” said the former striker.

The Boston Bruins, six times Stanley Cup champion, only came to 33 wins in 82 games last season and were last in the Atlantic Division. “As a coach, we are making a new direction with Marco,” said Sweeney. “We are convinced that his energy, his claim and commitment to a competitive, uncompromising ice hockey style reflects exactly what should be bruins hockey.”