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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery delivered a moving speech after winning the Jack Adams Award for being the best coach in the NHL last season.
Montgomery won the Jack Adams Award after leading the Bruins to an NHL record of 65 wins and 135 points in his first season behind the bench for the Bruins. This was the first time Montgomery has won the award.
During his acceptance speech, Montgomery thanked the Bruins organization and the players for the award, but also take a moment to reflect on the journey that led him to this moment. Montgomery spoke candidly about his struggles with alcoholism and how his family and friends helped him during that time.
"My late father Jim, who passed away a little while ago, impressed upon me the importance of always being team first and how you achieve great things working together," Montgomery said. "Three and a half years ago, the Dallas Stars terminated my contract because of my struggles with alcohol and I had to change my actions and behaviors. My new team, the most important team in my life, is really what has led to the success that I live daily right now."
Montgomery shouted out several of his friends, his 91-year-old mother who he says was watching at home, his kids, and his wife for supporting him during his hard times. He also sent a message to anyone who may be struggling with alcoholism.
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"For those who struggle out there, you can change," Montgomery said. "You can affect change within yourself, and it doesn't happen alone. You need a team. You need a community."
Montgomery was not the only Bruin to win an award last night as well. Linus Ullmark won the Vezina Trophy for being the league's best goaltender and Captain Patrice Bergeron won his sixth Selke Trophy for being the league's best defensive forward.
WBZ's Brian Antonelli (@RadioBoyGu) reports.
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