Patrice Bergeron Shares Thoughts on Bruins Hiring Former Linemate Marco Sturm as Head Coach…
Patrice Bergeron is enthusiastic about the Boston Bruins’ decision to appoint his former linemate, Marco Sturm, as the team’s new head coach.
Sturm was officially announced as the Bruins’ head coach on Thursday morning, following an extensive search by the organization. During his playing days in Boston, Sturm skated on Bergeron’s left wing, forming a close bond on and off the ice.
Bergeron, reflecting on their time together, believes the Bruins made a smart move.
“He was a fantastic teammate, and I’m not at all surprised he went into coaching. He’s deeply passionate about hockey, and I’m confident he’ll excel in this role,” Bergeron said in an interview with NHL.com’s Joe McDonald. “Many players have influenced my career, and Marco is certainly one of them. He’s a person of integrity and high character. He loves the game and always supported his teammates. His positive energy is infectious. This opportunity is well-earned, and I’m rooting for his success. I want to see the team thrive with him at the helm.”
Sturm steps in to replace Joe Sacco, who was serving as interim coach following Jim Montgomery’s dismissal in November. The Bruins evaluated multiple candidates for the position, including Jay Woodcroft, Jay Leach, Mitch Love, and Sacco.
Although this will be Sturm’s first time as a head coach in the NHL, he brings significant coaching experience. He previously led the German national team to a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and has spent the last three seasons coaching the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Under his leadership, the team compiled a 119-80-11-6 record and reached the playoffs three years in a row.
