San Jose, United States: Peter DeBoer, fired by the New Jersey Devils last December after a poor start, was hired on Thursday to coach the San Jose Sharks, still seeking their first NHL title.
The Sharks, preparing for their 25th campaign in quest of the Stanley Cup, parted ways with coach Todd McLellan last month after he spent seven seasons behind the San Jose bench, agreeing to split after the club missed the play-offs for the first time in his tenure.
“The Sharks have one of the most energetic buildings in the NHL and I am looking forward to the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and get to work with this group,” DeBoer said.
“I see a group of veteran guys and young players who have hit a little bit of a rut. I see enough character in that room that I see a big bounce-back.”
DeBoer was an assistant to McLellan with trophy-winner Canada at this year’s World Championships. McLellan was named coach of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers last week.
The Devils dumped DeBoer after a start of 12-17 with seven overtime losses. DeBoer went 114-94 with 41 overtime losses in parts of four seasons with New Jersey, including a shock run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, in which the Devils lost to the Los Angeles Kings in six games.
“Peter is a well-respected leader who possesses all of the characteristics we were looking for,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. “Peter has a track record of extracting the most out of his players and is willing to make tough decisions that are based on achieving team success. We’re extremely excited to have him.”
—AFP
