Anaheim, California — The Anaheim Ducks have officially appointed Joel Quenneville as their new head coach, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise as he steps into the role as its 12th head coach. General Manager Pat Verbeek hailed Quenneville’s hiring as a significant move towards establishing the Ducks as consistent playoff contenders.
Verbeek expressed enthusiasm about Quenneville’s extensive experience and success, highlighting his remarkable track record in the NHL. “Joel is a proven winner and ranks among the top coaches in league history, making this a major step in our journey,” he stated.
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, the Ducks undertook a thorough search for a head coach, interviewing numerous candidates while also reviewing Quenneville’s previous tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. This review included discussions with various stakeholders, including voices advocating for positive changes in hockey. The NHL had cleared Quenneville to return to coaching, and the Ducks’ investigation aligned with his assertion of not fully grasping the gravity of past events during his time in Chicago. Quenneville expressed remorse over his shortcomings and emphasized his commitment to personal growth and accountability.
At 66, Quenneville brings a wealth of experience to Anaheim, including three Stanley Cup titles secured during his 25 years behind the bench. He led the Blackhawks to championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015, becoming one of only 11 coaches in NHL history to clinch the Stanley Cup three times. Notably, he is the sole coach to achieve this feat in the salary cap era that began in 2005.
“I’m thrilled to become part of the Anaheim Ducks,” Quenneville remarked. “This organization represents the ideal place for me to restart my career, and I am deeply appreciative of this chance. With passionate fans and dedicated management, I have learned a great deal during my time away from the game, and I understand now that actions speak louder than words in demonstrating my commitment to better leadership.”
Over his illustrious career, Quenneville has amassed an impressive coaching record of 969 wins, making him the second-winningest coach in NHL history. Alongside his regular-season successes, he has guided teams to the playoffs 20 times and boasts 23 series victories—ranking fourth all-time. He was also awarded the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in the 1999-00 season.
Quenneville began his coaching journey as an assistant coach with the Quebec Nordiques and the Colorado Avalanche, where he played a role in the Avalanche’s 1996 Stanley Cup victory. Prior to coaching, he had a significant playing career as a defenseman, accumulating 190 points in 803 NHL games after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1978.
As Quenneville takes the helm, the Ducks aim to revitalize their performance and work towards returning to the postseason. His seasoned leadership and considerable accomplishments in the league set a promising tone for the team’s future.