The Boston Bruins announced the hiring of former Bruin Marco Sturm as the 30th head coach in the team’s 101-year history on June 5. On Tuesday, at Warrior Ice Arena, Sturm was available with General Manager Don Sweeney to meet the media for the first time. Here are some of the highlights of the press conference:
Sturm began by talking about culture, identity, and a winning mindset that he experienced as a player from 2005-10 with the Bruins. The Bruins have now had four coaches since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, and stability and getting back to the details that made them a top team are a necessity.
Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald asked about the roster, and Sturm responded that he loves the team. He talked about goaltending and a healthy defensive corps. Playing good defensively is a priority, but scoring goals will be a focus as well.
In defining a winning culture, Sturm talked about the heartbeat of the locker room is important. The way the team prepares and practices is a key element. The mindset and willingness to do what it takes to win will be led by the core players. Sturm indicated that the veterans are ready to lead.
Sturm talked about his time as a player and the challenge of being acquired for a player like Joe Thornton. He stated that the fan base and passion from the city helps to motivate the team. The Bruins will be structured under Sturm.
Sweeney was asked about player development and roster construction and responded with Sturm’s experience with player development and having to build his own culture in Boston, and also his passion for coaching and the path Sturm has taken. Sweeney seems to be leaning towards continuing to develop the young players who are already in the organization, first and foremost.
Sturm was an offensive player who had some gaps in defensive structure and improved his defense to be a solid NHL player. Sweeney said that Sturm’s similar path to 200-foot play was also a big consideration. A fresh approach and attention to detail will be something that Sturm brings to the table. Re-establishing the veteran group is also a point of emphasis.
When asked about how many candidates were considered for the job, Sweeney said that there were 14 at various levels of communication. As far as the offensive outlook, Sturm talked about scoring more goals and how to get the puck into high-danger areas and better entries. Turning the puck over and advancing the puck while being hungrier to score are also focal points.
When discussing the power play, Sweeney said that it was many of the same players as the year before and that injuries were a factor, not an excuse. Sturm’s job will be entries and structure on the power play. The Ontario Reign had the AHL’s second-best power play two seasons ago but were 24th in the league this past season.
Sturm will be retaining assistant coaches Chris Kelly, Jay Leach, and Bob Essensa and will choose an additional assistant coach soon.
Season 4. Episode 35. Riding the Sturm Out. – Bruins Benders Podcast
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