Joel Quenneville, one of the winningest coaches in NHL history, is returning behind the bench after an over three-year absence to coach the young and upcoming Anaheim Ducks. Quenneville, 66, won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015, and is second only to Scotty Bowman in career victories with 969, but has not coached since October 2021, when he resigned as bench boss of the Florida Panthers after the investigation of a 2010 incident into the sexual assault of Hawks forward Kyle Beach.
“Over the last two weeks, we conducted interviews with many outstanding coaching candidates, while simultaneously conducting a comprehensive review of what took place while Joel was head coach of the Blackhawks in 2010.” Ducks GM Pat Verbeek said in a press release.
We spoke with dozens of individuals, including advocates for positive change in hockey and leadership of the NHL, which last July officially cleared Joel to seek employment in the league. Our findings are consistent with Joel’s account that he was not fully aware of the severity of what transpired in 2010. It is clear that Joel deeply regrets not following up with more questions at the time, has demonstrated meaningful personal growth and accountability, and has earned the opportunity to return to coaching.”
The Ducks are a club that have not made the postseason since 2018, but under Verbeek have accumulated a bevy of young talent like Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Jackson Lacombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Lukas Dostal, which may just need a veteran hand like Quenneville to end their streak of futility.
“I’m excited to join the Anaheim Ducks,” Quenneville said. “This is the organization I wanted to restart my career with and am truly grateful for this opportunity. The Ducks have incredible ownership, management and passionate fans. In nearly four years away from the game, I have learned from my prior mistakes and realized it will be actions over words that demonstrate my commitment to being a better leader.”
