June 1, 2009

Martin to Coach Canadiens

The following article featuring former St. Lawrence standout Jacques Martin appeared June 1 on the Montreal Canadiens Web site.

 

MONTREAL -- Montreal Canadiens’ General Manager Bob Gainey announced Monday the appointment of Jacques Martin, a former St. Lawrence standout, as the Club’s new head coach. The St. Pascal, Ontario native was the Florida Panthers’ General Manager for the last three seasons (2006 to 2009) while assuming the duties of head coach with the Panthers from 2004 to 2008. Martin, who signed a multi-year agreement with the Canadiens, has 20 years of experience at the NHL level, including 15 seasons as head coach.

Jacques Martin first joined the Panthers’ organization in May 2004 as head coach. In three seasons behind the bench, he posted a 110-100-36 mark and stands as the club’s all-time leader in games coached (246) and wins (110). On November 2, 2006, Martin became only the 13th head coach in NHL history to record 450 wins and a few months later, on March 3, 2007, he became the 12th coach in NHL history to coach in his 1,000th game. He currently ranks 10th on the NHL all-time list for games coached (1,098) and also ranks 10th in wins (517).

Midway through the 1995-96 season, Jacques Martin was hired as head coach of the Ottawa Senators. In his 9-year tenure with the Senators, he led his team to three division titles and had four seasons of at least 100 points. In 2002-03, following a 113-point season and the best record in the Eastern Conference, he guided the Senators to the Conference Finals in a 7-game series against the New Jersey Devils.

Complete article can be accessed via the Canadiens Web site by clicking here.