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NHL's Ducks appoint Quenneville as coach following investigation into sexual assault allegations

Three-time Stanley Cup winning coach, Joel Quenneville, has been appointed coach of the Anaheim Ducks following his resignation amidst an investigation into sexual assault allegations within his previous NHL team.

Ex-Stanley Cup-winning coach Joel Quenneville, under scrutiny for a past sexual assault probe...
Ex-Stanley Cup-winning coach Joel Quenneville, under scrutiny for a past sexual assault probe linked to his previous NHL team, secures new coaching position with the Anaheim Ducks.

NHL's Ducks appoint Quenneville as coach following investigation into sexual assault allegations

Fresh Take:

In a surprising comeback within the NHL, Joel Quenneville, a stellar coach in the league's history, finds himself back in the game following a tumultuous few years marred by a sexual assault scandal during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. Let's delve into the unraveling of this intricate tale.

The Muddy Past

The scandal, revolving around allegations of a negligent response to sexual assault claims within the Chicago Blackhawks crew in the 2010 playoffs, stirred widespread outrage and questioned Quenneville's oversight as coach[2].

The Exit from the Hot Seat

Following the fallout, Quenneville stepped down as the coach for the Florida Panthers just seven games into the 2021-22 season, marking a temporary hiatus from the NHL[2].

The Second Chance

After nearly four years, Quenneville received a fresh start, returning to the coaching arena as the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks. However, this move crops up considerable criticism from fans and critics, given his role in the Blackhawks scandal[1][2].

The Winning History

Quenneville holds the second-highest number of regular-season victories in the NHL with a staggering 969. Previously leading the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Blackhawks, and Panthers, Quenneville boasts three Stanley Cup wins with the Blackhawks[2][3].

The Current Challenge

As the new coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Quenneville is taking on his fifth coaching stint in the NHL. The team is wrestling with a seven-year playoff drought, and it's up to Quenneville to turn things around. Showing remorse for his past actions, he emphasizes the importance of meaningful growth and accountability in order to regain trust and create a safe work environment[1][2].

© 2025 AFP

[1] ESPN: Quenneville eager to leave past, move forward with Anaheim Ducks[2] Chicago Tribune: Joel Quenneville reinstated but tainted by Blackhawks scandal[3] NHL.com: Quenneville named winner of 2000 NHL Jack Adams Award

  1. Despite facing criticism due to his past involvement in the Blackhawks scandal, Joel Quenneville has returned to the NHL as the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks in 2025.
  2. The Ducks, struggling with a seven-year playoff drought, hope Quenneville can help them break this streak, given his impressive coaching history in the NHL, where he holds the second-highest number of regular-season victories.
  3. Commissioner Gary Bettman, who previously displayed concern about the Blackhawks scandal during Quenneville's tenure, will be closely watching Quenneville's performance with the Ducks.
  4. Quenneville, who boasts three Stanley Cup wins in his coaching career, aims to regain trust and create a safe work environment, emphasizing the importance of meaningful growth and accountability in the wake of the Blackhawks scandal.

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