Former Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks trades skates for OHL coaching
Photo credit: Getty Image
Andrew Desjardins bids farewell to skates, welcomes coaching clipboard.
Canadian hockey veteran Andrew Desjardins has announced his retirement from professional hockey at 37, closing the chapter on a storied career that spanned continents and leagues.
The Sudbury native, who last showcased his skills with VSV EC in Austria, is not stepping away from the ice entirely; he's poised to embark on a coaching journey with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Desjardins Returns to Roots with Coaching Role
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After a robust career that included stints with the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL, Desjardins is set to impart his rich experience to young aspirants as an assistant coach with the Wolves.
His professional tenure featured a commendable tally of 408 NHL games, during which he netted 23 goals and totaled 64 points.
Desjardins' journey through the hockey world was diverse, featuring roles in various leagues including the Central Hockey League (CHL) with the Laredo Bucks, the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Worcester Sharks, and international stints in the German DEL with Adler Mannheim and the ICEHL with Villacher SV.
Champion On and Off the NHL Ice
Notably, Desjardins' career was punctuated by significant triumphs, including lifting the Stanley Cup in 2015 with the Blackhawks.
He also clinched a German championship with Adler Mannheim in 2019, showcasing his knack for making an impact across different levels of professional hockey.
" NHL alumnus Andrew Desjardins 🇨🇦 has retired from professional hockey at the age of 37, and will join the Sudbury Wolves (OHL) 🇨🇦 as an assistant coach.
Desjardins played 408 games in the NHL from 2010-2017 with the San Jose Sharks 🇺🇸 and Chicago Blackhawks 🇺🇸 � scoring 23 goals and 64 points in that span, and winning the Stanley Cup in 2015.
Other than the NHL, Desjardins also played professionally with:
Laredo Bucks (CHL) 🇺🇸
Worcester Sharks (AHL) 🇺🇸
Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL) 🇺🇸
Adler Mannheim (DEL) 🇩🇪
Villacher SV (ICEHL) 🇦🇹
He won the German championship with Mannheim in 2019.
Great career for an undrafted player. "
Desjardins played 408 games in the NHL from 2010-2017 with the San Jose Sharks 🇺🇸 and Chicago Blackhawks 🇺🇸 � scoring 23 goals and 64 points in that span, and winning the Stanley Cup in 2015.
Other than the NHL, Desjardins also played professionally with:
Laredo Bucks (CHL) 🇺🇸
Worcester Sharks (AHL) 🇺🇸
Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL) 🇺🇸
Adler Mannheim (DEL) 🇩🇪
Villacher SV (ICEHL) 🇦🇹
He won the German championship with Mannheim in 2019.
Great career for an undrafted player. "
Desjardins is set to bring a wealth of experience to his new role, potentially shaping the next generation of NHL stars.
His transition from player to coach reflects his ongoing passion for hockey and his commitment to fostering talent in the sport he loves.
For more on his illustrious career and future plans, visit his Instagram.
As Desjardins turns the page to the next chapter of his hockey life, the Sudbury Wolves and their young roster can expect to learn from one of the game's seasoned veterans, who has not only competed but also excelled at the highest levels of the sport.
| POLL | ||
25 JUILLET | 21 ANSWERS Former Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks trades skates for OHL coaching Will you miss Andrew Desjardins in the Blackhawks uniform? | ||
| Yes | 1 | 4.8 % |
| No | 20 | 95.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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