This week the Syracuse Crunch announced the hiring of former Laval Rocket head coach Joel Bouchard as their new head coach, replacing Benoit Groulx.
It's been two seasons since Joel Bouchard was a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization. After spending three years behind the bench as the head coach of the Laval Rocket, Bouchard headed west to take up the helm for the San Diego Gulls, AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. But that stint only lasted for the 2021-22 season, and last year Bouchard found himself back in the broadcast booth instead of in a rink.
His departure from coaching didn't last long, however, as this week the Syracuse Crunch announced his hiring as their new head coach. Bouchard replaces long-time coach Benoit Groulx who, according to the Crunch's press release, will be offered a different position within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.
Another name familiar to Laval fans also came along with the announcement, and that was Daniel Jacob, who will be one of the Crunch's new assistant coaches. This follows the pattern that's been in place at every one of Bouchard's stops since his days coaching in the QMJHL, with Jacob accompanying him as an assistant each time.
To explore this topic further, and learn about other AHL head coaching announcements made this week, we invite you to listen to the latest edition of The Press Zone podcast, hosted by Amy Johnson. This weekly show provides Habs fans with the latest news, analysis, and commentary regarding the Laval Rocket, Canadiens prospects, and American Hockey League news.
This Week’s Show: TPZ ep 312 | Joel Bouchard Returns to the Rink
Segment 1 | NHL Draft Update
- Reaction to 2023 NHL Awards
- A look ahead at a busy NHL news week
- Resources for Habs fans to track Canadiens draft picks, trades, and free agency signings
Segment 2 | Around the AHL
- Patrick Williams (@pwilliamsAHL) joins the show to provide first-hand insight of the Calder Cup championship celebration in Hershey, PA. He also gives his thoughts on what winning the Calder Cup means to the Washington Capitals organization at this juncture in their history.
- Amy and Patrick also discuss two new AHL head coach hirings: Joel Bouchard (SYR) and Ryan Craig (HSK). What can Laval's former coach bring to one of their most fiery North Division rivals?
Listen to the Latest Episode
You can listen to the latest episode of The Press Zone podcast here: Joel Bouchard Returns to the Rink | Press Zone ep 312