Assistant to Claude Julien, Dominique Ducharme and Martin St-Louis for his four seasons with the Canadiens (from 2018-2019 to 2021-2022), Luke Richardson served as head coach for the first time on an NHL team.
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On June 27, Richardson became the 40th head coach in Chicago Blackhawks history. The 53-year-old switched from a team in the reconstruction at CH to another team in the middle of the reconstruction.
“I like Luke, he’s good for this team,” said winger Patrick Kane. He teaches, but he also wants to win. This also includes the position of the team. I like the way he acts as a coach. »
Richardson has to be patient in Chicago. Prior to the Montreal visit, the Blackhawks had won just 16 of their first 51 games (16-30-5).
The mythical aspect
For the first time this season, the former defenseman skated on the ice at Bell Center to officiate the Hawks’ morning practice session.
“Yes, it’s special for me to come back here to Montreal,” said Richardson. I was proud to belong to the organization of Canadians. I feel the same pride in the Hawks. There’s a mythical thing about the original six teams. I was a member of three of the six teams. There is a lot of media attention. »
Before getting the job with the Blackhawks, Richardson’s only experience was as head coach in the American League with the Binghamton Senators (from 2012-13 to 2015-16).