Introduction to Marco Sturm’s Achievement
Marco Sturm has reached his declared goal – as head coach of a team in the National Hockey League. It is also not just another team in the NHL. The Bruins are an original SIX team and the winner of Six Stanley Cups, which last won in 2011.
Preparation and Passion
"Marco impressed us with his preparation, clarity and passion every step," said Bruins GM. "His way – play for several NHL teams, train internationally and both lead to the AHL and NHL levels – has shaped a rounded coach who deserves this opportunity." The 46-year-old Sturm said he was "incredibly honored" to become the 30th head coach in the more than a century of history of the Bruins.
Reaction to the Appointment
"Boston has always stopped a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means for the city and our fans. I felt this passion as a player, and I can hardly wait to be behind the bank and to feel it again," said Sturm. Several former German stars reacted with pleasure to the news of Sturm’s appointment. Many of them pointed out the fact that Sturm had paid his fees as a coach. You see his change from the assistant with the La Kings to head coach at your AHL partner, the Ontario, as a key.
Development as a Coach
"Marco has developed hard as a coach and did not shy away from the step to the Los Angeles farm team," said a former player. "He has learned a lot there in recent years, but also as a co-trainer with the kings before … I can only congratulate the bruins that he has made the right choice with Marco as the new head coach." The former striker found that not many coaches are ready to take this "step backwards" in order to prepare themselves completely for the NHL.
Influence on German Hockey
Christian Künast was Sturm’s assistant when he led to a breathtaking silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. As sports director of the German Ice Hockey Federation, Künast attributes that he shook the national team out of its doldrums when he took over as head coach in 2015. "During his time as a national coach, Marco had a major impact on the development of German ice hockey. Marco is largely responsible for changing the attitude of the German national team to a team that believes in itself," Künast said.
Transitions and Strengths
The fact that the Bruins have nine or second-round picks in the NHL entry draft is a significant opportunity for Sturm. "I love to work with young players, and if you watch my CV, transitions are my strength," said Sturm. "That was the case with the national team and also in my work as a coach for the Kings farm team," he added, referring to the reign where he spent the last three seasons as head coach in the development division.
Career Background
Sturm spent his first two professional seasons as a player at Landshut, then with Germany’s top flight, the DEL, before he came to the San Jose Sharks in 1997 – a year after making him the 21st total selection in the NHL entry draft. The Center played more than 1,000 games in the NHL – five years in Boston before he completed his career in the DEL in 2013 and trained the national team two years later.
Expectations and Future
Now the Bruins will aim to come back to the playoffs, but it won’t reduce that in the long term. "The expectations in Boston were always clear." "It’s about winning championships."
