Sturm: Bruins fans’ passion drives new coach

BOSTON – Marco Sturm has returned to Boston, this time as a coach. The former Bruins player, who was acquired in a trade involving Joe Thornton, soon NHL MVP, now seeks to make his mark from the bench. Sturm shared his first impressions of the Bruins’ passionate fanbase. “It wasn’t my fault, right?” Sturm joked at a press conference, recalling his arrival to the team. “It was difficult, I’m not going to lie. You’d read the newspaper or social media, or even on the street, people would let you know.”

But it also pushes you. And I saw it in a positive way. I have very good memories here. And I know that the fans, as soon as they feel that something good is happening here, will support you. I know that.

Marco Sturm

The three-time Olympian and first-round draft pick, who played five of his 14 NHL seasons with the Bruins, led Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. He then spent six years in the Los Angeles Kings organization, the last three as head coach of their AHL affiliate.

The 46-year-old former player replaces Joe Sacco, who finished the season as interim coach after Jim Montgomery was fired in November. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney highlighted the importance of having a coach “who understands our fanbase and values the same things: being incredibly tough every night” as the team looks to rebuild after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The press conference was held at the Bruins’ offices, overlooking Causeway Street and the TD Garden. Former captain Patrice Bergeron, who assisted on Sturm’s golden goal at the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, was present in the front row as a show of support. German chocolate cupcakes were served, a nod to the new coach’s heritage. Sturm revealed that he never considered coaching while playing, but began working with his own children before taking over as head coach and general manager of the German national team in 2015.

And that’s where I really realized, ‘This is really me.’ And that’s where I have passion. That’s where I’m good. And then go after that.

Marco SturmHe put his family plans on hold and spent six years living in Los Angeles, away from his wife and children. “I was chasing my dream,” Sturm said, adding that his children, now 19 and 21, missed Boston since they moved. “My kids grew up there. They always wanted to come back. And here I am. Now they have their wish.” Sturm stated that he would not have accepted any vacant position, but the Bruins presented a team with a solid goaltending in Jeremy Swayman and a solid core led by defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward David Pastrnak, who could aim for the playoffs if they stay healthy. Boston also accumulated draft picks and young talent from the mid-season trade deadline purge that traded several veterans, including Brad Marchand, the only remaining member of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team. After registering more than 100 points in six consecutive non-pandemic-shortened seasons, including a Presidents’ Trophy in 2023, when they set NHL records of 65 wins and 135 points, the Bruins finished with 76 points this season; only three teams were worse.

Every job, no matter if you’re in Boston or not, will be a challenge. But it’s a good challenge. I love challenges. I know the expectations here. I know what it’s like. But as long as I put in my work and preparation, I know I’ll be in good shape.

Marco Sturm