Michel Therrien Named Head Coach of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Published on July 15, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release
WILKES-BARRE - The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Michel Therrien head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced today by General Manager Craig Patrick.
Therrien becomes the second head coach in club history.
"Michel's success as a head coach at all levels and his ability to communicate and work with young people makes him an ideal fit within our organization", said General Manager Craig Patrick. "He has a tremendous record as a head coach in junior hockey, working primarily with young prospects."
Therrien (pronounced TAIR ee ehn), 39, was named head coach of the Montreal Canadiens on November 20, 2000. He posted a 77-91-22 record in parts of three seasons with the Canadiens. In the 2001-2002 season, Therrien led the Canadiens to their first post-season appearance in four seasons, reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He has been working for the Canadiens as a pro scout since February.
Therrien spent four seasons as a head coach in the American Hockey League with Fredericton and Quebec. In four seasons, Therrien compiled a 115-124-22 record, including a division championship with Quebec in 1999-2000.
Prior to his work in the American Hockey League, Therrien coached Laval and Granby in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He posted a .720 winning percentage in four seasons as a head coach in the QMJHL, reaching the finals three times and was the head coach of the Memorial Cup winning team in Granby in 1995-1996.
Beginning in 1993-1994, Therrien's teams led the QMJHL in points for three straight seasons.
In 1993-94, Therrien took over the head coaching reigns with Laval in mid-season and led the team to a 43-17-1 record in his 61 games as head coach. The team's 99 points for the season led the league as the Titans reached the QMJHL Finals.
In 1994-95, Therrien's first full season as head coach, Laval led the league with 98 points, finishing the season with a 48-22-2 record, once again reaching the QMJHL Finals.
In 1995-96, Therrien coached Granby to a league best 56-12-2 record (.814 winning percentage) and 114 points, winning the 1996 Memorial Cup.
In his second season with Granby in 1996-97, Therrien led the team to a 44-20-6 record with 94 points, second most in the league.
Therrien also played three seasons in the AHL (1983-85, 1986-87) for Nova Scotia, Sherbrooke and Baltimore, recording 89 points (16+73).
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