At the end of the 2024-25 season, Pat Maroon announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on National TV in his hometown of St. Louis while wearing a Chicago Blackhawks sweater.
He finished out the year playing a strong leadership role on a young team looking to take steps in development. Although he was only with Chicago for one season, he made an impact on the team and the fanbase.
On Friday, news dropped that Maroon had already found his new post-playing career home. He is going to be an assistant coach for the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Muskegon Lumberjacks (@MuskegonJacks) on X
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are thrilled to announce the addition of 3x Stanley Cup Champion, Pat Maroon, to the Coaching Staff!
For more information https://t.co/xCD2PnciPn
"We are excited to add Pat to our coaching staff. As a program, we are always self-evaluating on how we get better. When this opportunity was presented to us, it was hard to turn down," said President Steve Lowe. "Adding someone like Pat, who has three Stanley Cup rings, is something that doesn't come along very often. Pat will be a great mentor for our players, coaching staff, and everyone at the Muskegon Lumberjacks."
This is a great opportunity for Maroon, who is someone who has the personality and hockey knowledge to coach the game. Although he was very good, he wasn't the most highly skilled player. He used his brain to be productive in all aspects throughout his career.
Maroon was a winner. He won the Stanley Cup three times in his career, and they came back-to-back-to-back as a member of the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning. He knows what it takes to be a successful player.
If he wants to become an assistant coach or even a head coach in the NHL one day, Maroon is taking a great first step here with this USHL job.
"Bringing Pat Maroon into our organization is a game-changing move for the Muskegon Lumberjacks," head coach Colten St. Claire said. "His championship pedigree, leadership presence, and relentless compete level are exactly what we want our players to emulate." St. Clair continued, "Pat knows what it takes to win, and his influence will elevate our locker room, our culture, and our pursuit of excellence."
Everybody in the Muskegon organization sounds enthusiastic about what Maroon is going to bring to the table. After winning the Clark Cup last spring, they have a lot to build on.
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