Team has hired new head coach in a surprising decision.

The Colorado Avalanche have made a vital decision today regarding the future of their organization.

The team announced on Thursday that they have hired Jared Bednar as their new coach, after former coach Patrick Roy very publicly resigned his position earlier this month.

“After profiling the type of coach I wanted for our team and going through an interview process with several good candidates, I believe that Jared Bednar is the best person to lead this team behind the bench,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager Joe Sakic. “Jared’s track record of success as a head coach in the American Hockey League speaks for itself and he is considered to be one of the top up-and-coming coaches in our business.”

“Even though we had to accelerate the process with training camp approaching, we feel we met some real strong candidates with a lot of potential to become head coaches in the NHL in the near future, continued Sakic. “I would like to thank the general managers who gave us permission to talk to key staff members at such a precarious time.”

Bednar, 44, was the head coach for the the Lake Erie Monsters (Columbus Blue Jackets' affiliate), to the 2016 Calder Cup as AHL champions this past season.

“My family and I are thrilled to be heading to Denver to begin this new challenge,” said Bednar. “I feel ready for this role with the Avalanche and I am grateful for the trust that (Avalanche President) Josh Kroenke, Joe (Sakic) and the organization has shown me. This is a great sports market with a passionate fan base and I can’t wait to get to work. I would also like to thank Columbus Blue Jackets organization for the opportunity they gave me.”

Bednar has been a head or assistant coach in the AHL since 2009-10 with the Abbotsford Heat, Peoria Rivermen, Springfield Falcons and the Monsters. Prior to that, he was the head coach of the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays and won a Kelly Cup championship with them in 2008-09.

Among the other coaches who were believed to be in contention to join the Avs were Kevin Dineen, Scott Arniel, Travis Green, Bob Boughner and Bob Hartley.

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