NHL team makes major coaching announcement

The Florida Panthers have announced that they’ve hired Bob Boughner as their next head coach. President and general manager Dale Tallon made the announcement himself saying:

“After an exhaustive search, we are pleased to welcome Bob as the new head coach of the Panthers. He sees the game in a modern way and is eager to work with our young players. During the interview process, Bob blew us away with his preparation, his passion, knowledge and dedication to the game. We believe that he is the right leader to get our team back to competing towards our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."

Boughner has served as an assistant coach in the NHL for both the San Jose Sharks and the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the new job in Florida will be his  first NHL head coaching job. Boughner has a much decorated junior hockey coaching career that includes two consecutive OHL championships and two consecutive Memorial Cups (2009, 2010). Boughner was also named the OHL and the CHL Coach of the Year in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

For Boughner, his new job is a second chance with the Panthers franchise. On July 25, 1994, Boughner, then a young defenseman, signed with the Panthers and played for two seasons for their minor league affiliates before moving on. Now, he’s back for good.