Capitals Name Former Pirates' Coach Glen Hanlon Head Coach

December 10, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Capitals today announced Bruce Cassidy has been relieved of his head coaching duties while Glen Hanlon will now serve as head coach. The announcement was made by vice president and general manager George McPhee.

A press conference has been called for 3:30 p.m. today at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, Md.

Hanlon, 46, becomes the 13th head coach in franchise history and embarks on his first career NHL head coaching position. He joined the Capitals' coaching staff last season after spending three campaigns as head coach of the Portland Pirates, Washington's American Hockey League affiliate.

At the helm of the Pirates, Hanlon compiled an overall record of 110-94-29-7 while guiding the team to two playoff appearances. His first season in 1999-2000 brought instant results, as the Pirates went 46-23-10-1 for 103 points with a league-best 48-point turnaround from the previous season, while Hanlon was named the AHL's Coach of the Year. Hanlon ended his career with Portland as the second-winningest coach in team history, behind current Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz.

The native of Brandon, Manitoba, served eight seasons with the Vancouver Canucks prior to joining the Capitals' organization. Working as the team's goaltending coach in 1991-94 and as an assistant coach in 1994-99, Hanlon helped lead the team to its first 40-win season franchise history in 1991-92 while advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994.

He has also gained coaching experience at the international level, serving as an assistant coach for the Canadian National Team at the 1998 World Hockey Championships in Zurich, Switzerland.

In 14 NHL seasons as a goaltender, Hanlon played 477 games for Vancouver, the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings between 1977-91. He posted a career record of 167-202-61 with a 3.60 goals-against average and 13 shutouts. In 35 playoff games he compiled an 11-15-0 record, a 3.14 goals-against average and four shutouts.

Cassidy ends his Capitals tenure having served less than two seasons as head coach, being named to the post June 25, 2002. The native of Ottawa, Ont., had a record of 47-47-9-7, including a mark of 8-18-1-1 this season.

The Capitals will next play tomorrow, Dec. 11, against the Boston Bruins at MCI Center at 7 p.m.



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