Local Sports Journal
The Pittsburgh Penguins opened up the head coaching position on Friday, relieving Dan Bylsma from the top job. Bylsma leaves behind a successful five years in Pittsburgh where he led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup championship in 2009.
Dan Bylsma
The announcement came from the team’s newest general manager Jim Rutherford who left the Carolina Hurricanes to take over the lead role in Pittsburgh. The owners of the club were cited by Rutherford as wanting to move in a new direction.
Bylsma became the winningest coach in Penguin history with a record of 252-117-32. He also reached the 250 win plateau faster than any other coach in NHL history.
The Grand Haven native and Western Michigan Christian grad enters into new waters with a number of NHL teams who have head coach openings. The Florida Panthers have been seeking a seasoned coach while Vancouver and Carolina look to hire as well.
