Marco Sturm Makes History as First German NHL Head Coach, Returns to Boston Bruins
German ice hockey is etched further in the annals as Marco Sturm pens a significant chapter
Get ready, Boston Bruins fans! Your beloved hockey team will have a new coach next season: none other than Marco Sturm, a former player for the B's and the very first German head coach in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Don Sweeney, the team's General Manager, couldn't be more thrilled: "We're delighted to appoint Marco as the 30th head coach of the Bruins and welcome him back to Beantown," he declared. "Marco has proved himself exceedingly prepared, clear-headed, and passionate."
The 46-year-old Sturm himself couldn't contain his excitement: "I'm beyond honored to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins, a team that has held a special place in my heart for so long," he shared. "I know how much this team means to the city and our fans, and I can't wait to stand behind the bench."
After his illustrious playing career, Sturm ascended to the head coaching ranks of the German Ice Hockey Association (DEB) in 2015. Remarkably, his leadership resulted in a silver medal for Germany at the 2018 Winter Games, a momentous achievement for the German hockey community. In 2018, he made the move back to the United States, where he served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings for four years before taking over as head coach of the Ontario Reign – a farm team of the Kings franchise – in 2022.
His exceptional coaching tenure saw him lead the Reign to three consecutive playoff appearances, culminating in an impressive 43-win season during the 2024–25 season. Now, after spending stints with teams like the San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and even a return to Germany with the Cologne Sharks in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Sturm is making his way back to the East Coast.
Marco Sturm, once a West Coast powerhouse in the NHL, has forged a significant coaching career that has left an indelible mark on both German and North American ice hockey. Recall his progressive journey:
- Coached the German national team (2015–2018)
- Simultaneously served as General Manager for Germany's under-20 men’s national team (2015–2016)
- Assisted the Los Angeles Kings (2018–2022)
- Head coached the Ontario Reign (2022–2025)
- Now, taking the reins of the Boston Bruins (2025–Present)
There's no question Marco Sturm's coaching journey has been one for the history books. With a silver medal from the Winter Olympics and three consecutive playoff appearances under his belt, the passionate coach is ready to lead the Boston Bruins into their next chapter. Get ready, Beantown! It's going to be a thrilling ride. ⛹️⚾️🏒
[1] NTV Article: Source [2] TNO/SID Article: Source [3] IceHockeyDB Player Profile: Source [4] EliteProspects Coach Profile: Source
Sports enthusiasts, prepare for an exciting turn of events as the Boston Bruins, a renowned NHL team, have tapped former player Marco Sturm to be their new head coach for the upcoming season. With his extensive coaching experience in both German and North American ice hockey, Sturm brings a unique perspective to the nation's oldest hockey franchise. As the first German NHL head coach, he will undoubtedly make history in Beantown, relying on his passionate leadership motifs and hockey savvy honed during his time with teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, Ontario Reign, and the German Ice Hockey Association. hockey, NHL, sports, ice hockey, nhl
