AHL Providence Bruins

P-Bruins Name Mike Sullivan Head Coach

July 29, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Providence Bruins News Release


Providence, RI --The Providence Bruins announced today that Mike Sullivan has been named the seventh head coach in franchise history. The 34-year-old native of Marshfield, Massachusetts signed a two-year contract. The Bruins also announced that Easton, Massachusetts native Scott Gordon will return for a third season as the assistant coach.

"I am very excited about this opportunity," said Sullivan. "After having spent 12 seasons playing professional hockey, I felt it was time to move on to the next phase, and coaching seemed like a natural step for me. Over the years, I've learned the game from some outstanding coaches and believe I can help the Boston Bruins develop their young players, as well as build on the tradition of winning in Providence. Providence has always been one of the elite franchises in the AHL, with great fan support, and I can't wait to get started with training camp and the regular season."

"I've known Mike for a number of years and he has a very good hockey mind," said Boston Bruins Vice President and General Manager Mike O'Connell. "He's a terrific person and he is well respected in the hockey community. I feel he will do a tremendous job in preparing our prospects for careers in the NHL as well as providing a winning environment in Providence."

Sullivan recently completed his 11-year National Hockey League playing career after skating in 42 games with the Phoenix Coyotes. He spent the last four seasons in Phoenix, playing the last three for former P-Bruins head coach Bob Francis. He also played one season, in 1997-98, with his hometown Boston Bruins. Sullivan enjoyed one of his best NHL seasons in Beantown, posting 5-13-18 totals and 34 PIM in 77 games.

Sullivan played in 709 career regular season NHL games with Boston, Phoenix, the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames, from 1991-2002. He tallied 54 goals and 82 assists for 136 points, along with 203 penalty minutes. He also posted 4-8-12 totals and 14 PIM in 34 career playoff games.

Sullivan played four seasons at Boston University from 1986-90, tallying 61-77-138 totals and 104 PIM in 141 career games. His career with the Terriers culminated in a berth in the 1990 NCAA Final Four. Among his teammates at B.U. were NHL stars Tony Amonte, Scott Young and Shawn McEachern, and former P-Bruins Clark Donatelli, Ed Ronan, Mark Krys and Phil Von Stefenelli. He began his professional career with the San Diego Gulls (IHL) in 1990-91, where he played for O'Connell. Sullivan was originally selected by the New York Rangers with their fourth pick (fourth round), 69th overall, in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.

The Providence Bruins are now accepting deposits on season ticket packages for the 2002-03 season. Information on all Providence Bruins season ticket packages can be obtained by contacting the Bruins' ticket office at (401) 273-5000.

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