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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston Bruins announced Thursday that Marco Sturm will be their next head coach.
The former Bruins left winger will replace interim head coach Joe Sacco, who took over after Jim Montgomery was let go in November. The B’s went 25-30-7 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
"I’m incredibly honored to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins,” Sturm said. “I want to thank Charlie Jacobs and the Jacobs family, Cam Neely, and Don Sweeney for trusting me with this opportunity. Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans. I’ve felt that passion as a player, and I can’t wait to be behind the bench and feel it again. I’m excited to get to work and do everything I can to help this team succeed.”
Sturm has spent the past three seasons as head coach for the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Under Sturm, the team made three consecutive playoff appearances.
He also spent four seasons as the assistant coach of the Los Angeles Kings, and was head coach of the German Men’s National Team from 2015 to 2018. He led the team to a silver medal at the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
The 46-year-old played for 15 seasons in the NHL, skating with the Bruins from 2005 to 2010.
“We’re proud to name Marco as the 30th Head Coach of the Boston Bruins and welcome him, Astrid, Mason, and Kaydie to Boston,” said Don Sweeney, Bruins general manager. “Throughout this process, our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively. We were also looking for a communicator and leader – someone who connects with players, develops young talent, and earns the respect of the room.
“Marco impressed us at every step with his preparation, clarity, and passion. His path – playing for multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both the AHL and NHL levels – has shaped a well-rounded coach who’s earned this opportunity. As a former Bruin, he understands what this team means to the city and our fans. We’re embracing a new direction with Marco behind the bench and are confident his energy, standards, and commitment to a competitive, hard-nosed brand of hockey reflect exactly what Bruins hockey should be.”
Fans seem hopeful about the decision after a lackluster season.
“Marco Sturm was a good player, I was a big fan of his. I met him once, he was a super nice guy, so I guess we’ll see how it goes,” said one local fan.
“He’s good. He’s gotta be better than Joe Sacco,” said another fan.
WBZ's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.