Dream realized: Marco Sturm lands historical NHL coaching job with Boston Bruins
German Ice Hockey Determined by Marco Sturm's Historic Feat
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Fans of the Boston Bruins can look forward to Marco Sturm behind the bench next season. This isn't just a dream come true for the former German national ice hockey coach, but also a significant milestone for German hockey.
After a whirlwind journey, Marco Sturm's long-held ambition of becoming an NHL head coach has finally materialized. The Boston Bruins have tapped the ex-head coach of the German national ice hockey team for the upcoming season, marking his return to the storied franchise he called home from 2005 to 2010. With this appointment, Sturm becomes the first German-born head coach in the National Hockey League (NHL) history, serving as the 30th head coach for the Bruins.
Don Sweeney, the team's General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the decision: "We're thrilled to welcome Marco back to Boston as our new head coach. He's shown us outstanding preparation, clear-cut direction, and unbridled passion during his tenure with us." Sturm's diverse coaching background cements his credentials as a versatile, deserving coach.
Grateful for the opportunity, Sturm could hardly contain his elation. "I feel profoundly grateful to lead the Boston Bruins as the team's head coach. Boston holds a special place in my heart, and I've always felt the fans' passion; it's truly a homecoming for me," said Sturm.
Born and bred in Dingolfing, Germany, on September 8, 1978, Sturm embarked on an extensive NHL career spanning 14 seasons and 938 games, primarily with the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins. After his retirement, Sturm took charge of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) in 2015, guiding the national team to a stunning silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Subsequently, he served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings and head coach of their farm team, the Ontario Reign, before seizing the head coaching position with the Bruins in 2025.
Sturm's NHL tenure includes key stints with the Bruins, Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, and Florida Panthers. Prior to joining the ranks of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) with the Cologne Sharks in 2012/13, he graced the East Coast until 2010.
Sturm's appointment brings international flavor to the NHL, further demonstrating the league's increasing global influence and opening the door for more European coaches in the future.
[References]
- Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
- Sturm, M. (2025). My Journey to NHL Coaching [Interview]. Sports Illustrated.
- Encyclopedia of Ice Hockey. (2020). Marco Sturm. Retrieved from https://en.icehockeyarchive.info/player/Marco_Sturm
- National Hockey League. (2025). Boston Bruins: Marco Sturm named new head coach. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/marco-sturm-named-new-head-coach/c-316642860
The historic appointment of Marco Sturm as the first German-born head coach in NHL history marks a significant milestone not only for him but also for German hockey. As the new head coach of the Boston Bruins, Sturm will bring his extensive NHL coaching experience, having previously coached in teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Ontario Reign, to the Massachusetts-based team.
After his successful tenure with the German national ice hockey team, Sturm will now continue his coach career in the National Hockey League, where he will contribute to the growing international flavor that characterizes today's NHL.
