Embarassing move for the Boston sports comunity
For those who were unaware, Claude Julien has been relieved from his duties this morning. The team held a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, as the New England Patriots parade through the city of Boston to celebrate their latest Super Bowl championship. This sounds like a weird coincidence doesn't it? Well, the least we can say is that the heat has finally burned Claude Julien and we had another first row ticket of the expression "There is no smoke without fire".
Here's a few details we've learn during the Press Conference
It was already known before the press conference was held but Bruce Cassidy will replace him behind the bench. He led his first full practice few minutes before Don Sweeney's press conference. Speaking of Sweeney, here's the essential of his speech :
- It was Don Sweeney's decision after assessing what were the team's problems in the past few days.
- Sweeney said Julien acted like a tremendous pro when he announced him the news this morning.
- Boston Bruins' GM praises patience over the youngster in his team that will (in the future) make the team shine.
- He'll still continue to look out for players that might fight with the core players he has under the hand right now and feel confident for the future of the team. If the opportunity presents itself, he's willing to upgrade his team.
- Sweeney mentioned he was sorry for putting the attention on that press conference while it's the Super Bowl celebration parade in Boston.
- He has the total commitment from the management and ownership group over that decision.
- The decision was made upon what he called "the communication level" between him and Claude. It was not an emotional move due to few loss lately.
What other NHL coaches had to say about Claude Julien
- "You're going to be out of a job for about 5 minutes." - Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz.
- "Someone out there's happy today. You ain't getting better." - Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock.
Bruins Management group's comment (published on the NHL's official website.)
- "These decisions are not easy, and Don has my full support. I believe that we have a better team than our results to date show. I also recognize that there are areas that we as a group need to improve upon. This decision does not in any way diminish Claude's legacy as a Bruins coach. I would like to wish him and his family all the best moving forward." - Team's President Cam Neely
- "Claude Julien is the all-time winningest coach in Boston Bruins history, and my family and I join Bruins fans in thanking him for the many great memories that have come while he has been behind the Bruins bench. As a management team, we set a high standard for ourselves, and I believe that our organization is moving in the right direction towards meeting and exceeding those standards." - Team's CEO Charlie Jacobs
- "I want to thank Claude for his service to the Boston Bruins, and wish him and his family the best in the future. I am confident in the direction and vision that Don has for our team, and look forward to seeing the results on the ice." - Team's owner Jeremy Jacobs
