Boston Bruins Appoint Marco Sturm as New Head Coach Following Montgomery's Dismissal

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins have officially appointed Marco Sturm as their new head coach, marking a significant move for the team as it seeks to return to playoff contention after a disappointing season that saw them miss the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Sturm takes over the coaching role from Joe Sacco, who had been serving as the interim head coach following the dismissal of Jim Montgomery last November. During Sacco's tenure, the Bruins struggled significantly, finishing the season with a 25-30-7 record, much of which was impacted by a major roster overhaul that occurred around the trade deadline.

As the 30th head coach in the history of the Bruins, Sturm steps into a challenging situation. The team's general manager, Don Sweeney, made the difficult decision to trade veteran players, including team captain Brad Marchand, in an effort to rebuild and reshape the roster. Consequently, the Bruins concluded the season with a disappointing 33-39-10 record, tying for the worst in the Eastern Conference.

Sturm's previous coaching experience includes three seasons at the helm of the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he demonstrated his ability to develop young talent and lead a competitive team. His appointment is part of a broader strategy by the Bruins' management to revitalize the franchise and reestablish its presence in the league.

With Sturm now leading the Bruins, the organization hopes to harness his insights and coaching acumen to foster a winning culture and improve the team's performance. The upcoming season will be critical for both Sturm and the team as they aim to overcome the challenges faced last season and work towards a successful return to the playoffs.