The Anaheim Ducks made some waves earlier this week with the hiring of former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. Quenneville was reinstated by the NHL last summer after being away from the game for a few years.
The veteran coach was named in an independent investigation into the 2010 Blackhawks scandal for allegations by former player Kyle Beach of sexual assault by then-video coach Brad Aldrich.
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Many around the league had mixed feelings on the hiring of Quenneville, with some not believing that he deserved a second chance. But the veteran coach does offer Anaheim an experienced leader on the bench, and it seems that many of the players are excited.
Ducks wing, Cutter Gauthier, weighed in on the matter, showing support for his new head coach.
“Obviously a lot of excitement toward Joel,” Gauthier told NHL.com from the 2025 IIHF World Championship on Friday, when he opened the scoring for the United States at 17:52 of the first period in a 5-0 preliminary round win against Denmark.
“I haven’t got the chance to talk to him at all yet, but everyone I’ve heard that has played for him or heard about him has only said great things. As a young guy that’s exactly what you want to hear. I’m super excited to get out there and meet him face to face. It’ll be exciting.”
Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville in the first period in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Gauthier was great for the Ducks this past season, putting up 20 goals and 25 assists. The young star seems to be looking forward to playing under Quenneville, as he continues to develop his game.
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Some won’t ever accept Quenneville back in the league, and the veteran coach will need to continue showing that he has changed. There is a lot of work to be done, both on and off the ice.
Related: Ducks Owner Breaks Silence on Joel Quenneville Hire