Official: Gallant Is Gone

It’s official – the Saint John Sea Dogs are currently without a head coach.

The Montreal Canadiens announced this morning that Gerard Gallant has been named an assistant coach of the Habs. Canadiens Executive vice president and general manager, Marc Bergevin, made the announcement via press release.

Rumours had been circulating all week that Gallant would be joining the new Canadiens coaching staff led by head coach Michel Therrien. Yesterday, those rumours became all but official.

Hired by the Sea Dogs in 2009, Gallant led the Sea Dogs to their first division and regular season title and took the team all the way to the President’s Cup final before losing in six games to the Moncton Wildcats. Then in 2010-11, Gallant led what has to be considered one of the greatest junior hockey teams of all-time to a national title. The Dogs won the division, regular season, President’s Cup, and then brought the Memorial Cup to the Maritimes for the first time ever.

This past season, Saint John won their third straight regular season title and recorded their third consecutive 50-win and 100-point season as well. The Dogs repeated as President’s Cup champions but their season ended with a semi-final loss at the Memorial Cup.

Gallant was named QMJHL and CHL coach of the year in 2010 and 2011.

Gallant leaves as the most successful coach in team history. He also becomes the first Sea Dogs head coach to not be fired.

It’s tough for the Sea Dogs to lose Gallant but this is what junior hockey is all about. From the players to the coaches to the training staff, they all want to reach the NHL level.

Now the big question is who will become Sea Dogs head coach? Will they promote from within or find someone new? One thing is for sure – this hockey team is certainly going to have a different look next season.

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation