New Jersey Devils hires Peter DeBoer as new team Head Coach –NHL offseason Update
Last week, New Jersey Devils general manager, Lou Lamoriello, had made a statement on their not being anyone being in the pipeline to take over as the teams’ new head coach, but much sooner than expected, Lamoriello introduced Peter DeBoer to fill in the
position during a press conference on Tuesday, July 19.
After missing a playoff spot last season, New Jersey was the only team that did not have a head coach after Jacques Lemaire retired after coaching the team for only a single season. Now, Devils have filled up a much needed requirement and can now focus on
other important aspects of readying up the team for the next season.
Working his way up from the junior leagues, DeBoer joined the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2008 as Florida Panthers coach, a team which he managed for three consecutive season, but remained ousted of the playoffs throughout.
Nevertheless, DeBoer was ecstatic at the new opportunity to make a fresh start.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to have a chance to work in an organization with such a great tradition … a tradition of winning Stanley Cups", DeBoer said during a press conference at Prudential Centre in New Jersey. "My first conversation with
Lou was shortly after the season ended and cumulated, literally, (Tuesday) morning (when he was offered the job). It was great to sit down with Lou and have him give me the keys to coach this team. It's something I take great pride and responsibility in and
am looking forward to it”.
The 43-year-old becomes the seventh head coach in the past seven seasons and the 21st overall for New Jersey, who are anticipating a return to the playoffs next season. Knowing that he could not lead Florida to playoff glory, DeBoer acknowledged
his mistakes and hopes on not making them again.
GM Lamoriello did not make the decision just to fill in the spot as quick as he could. According to him, he has been watching DeBoer for the past three years as he has been coaching Panthers. Out of the potential selections out there, Peter DeBoer seemed
to be the best decision.
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