Bob Hartley
Encyclopedia
Robert Hartley is a former head coach
in the National Hockey League
. He coached the Colorado Avalanche
from 1998–2002, period during which he won the Stanley Cup
(2000–2001). He also coached the Atlanta Thrashers
from the 2003 up until the beginning of the 2007, when he was fired after the Thrashers got off to an 0–6 start. Hartley was enjoying a successful media career as a hockey analyst for the French-language RDS
television channel, but in summer 2011 signed for the Zcs Lions: he is now head coach in Zurich, Switherland.
Hartley and his wife, Micheline, have one daughter, Kristine and one son, Steve.
Despite his anglophone-sounding name, Hartley is a Franco-Ontarian
. French is his first language; his English has a marked French accent.
, instead beginning his coaching career with a junior A team in his hometown of Hawkesbury
. After guiding the team to a championship, his accolades caught the eye of the Laval Titan
of the QMJHL
. While Hartley was coaching the junior A Hawkesbury Hawks
, he worked full time as an assembly line worker at PPG Industries
in Hawkesbury.http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1027388467948_22797667/
head coach was marked with success. He recorded an 81–52–7 record in two seasons with the team. In his second season as the team's head coach, he guided the team to a Memorial Cup
participation in 1993.
's Cornwall Aces
under Jacques Martin. When Martin was appointed assistant coach of the parent Quebec Nordiques
, Hartley was promoted to head coach and guided the Aces to two division titles during the team's three year history. When the relocated Nordiques, now known as the Colorado Avalanche
, became affiliated with the Hershey Bears
, Hartley followed the team and was named head coach of the Bears. Hartley's tenure with the Bears was a success as he guided the team to four consecutive playoff appearances and a Calder Cup
title in 1997, adding yet another accolade to his coaching career.
general manager Pierre Lacroix, who was looking for a replacement for Marc Crawford
who was fired by the team following a first round playoff exit. Hartley was hired as the team's second head coach since the relocation to Denver on June 2, 1998. In his first season with the Avs, the team got off to a 2–1–6 start, the mediocre start prompted skeptics to question the hiring. When the team caught fire in mid-December, they won their first Northwest Division
title and fifth straight overall. During the 1999 Stanley Cup
playoffs, the team defeated the San Jose Sharks
in the first round and halted the Detroit Red Wings
quest for a three-peat
before bowing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars
in the Western Finals. Hartley's second season saw the team win their sixth consecutive division title along with playoff victories over the Phoenix Coyotes
and a rematch with the Red Wings
before bowing to the defending champion Dallas Stars
in the Western Final for the second consecutive year. Hartley's third season was ultimately his most successful one. Motivated by Ray Bourque
's desire to win a Stanley Cup
championship, the Avs coasted through the league with a 52–16–10–4 record, a seventh consecutive division title along with the President's Trophy. The playoffs began with a first round sweep of the eighth seed Vancouver Canucks
before enduring a seven game scare by the Los Angeles Kings
in the Western Semi-Finals before cakewalking past the St. Louis Blues in five games, setting up a Stanley Cup Finals
matchup with the Eastern Conference
's No. 1 seed New Jersey Devils
. After falling behind three games to two in the series, the Avs rallied back to win the Stanley Cup
championship, accomplishing Bourque's goal, and making it the second straight year that defending champions had lost in the finals, as the Devils themselves beat the 1999 champion
Dallas Stars
the year before
.
Another notable milestone from the 2000–01 NHL season for Hartley included coaching the North American All-Star team to a 14–11 victory on home ice. Hartley brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Hawkesbury
, bringing the trophy to the PPG Industries
plant he worked at. The following season, the team won their eighth consecutive division title and looked sharp in their quest for a second consecutive Stanley Cup
. At the start of the playoffs, Hartley became the first head coach since Billy Reay
to guide his teams to four consecutive conference final appearances. After two grueling playoff series victories over the Los Angeles Kings
and San Jose Sharks
, in a repeat of the 1997 Western Finals, the team bowed to the arch rival Detroit Red Wings
who would go on to become the eventual Stanley Cup
champions. Hartley's tenure with the Avalanche ended on December 17, 2002, when the team endured a 10–8–9–4 start and was replaced by assistant coach Tony Granato
. Hartley left the Avalanche franchise with a 193–109–48 regular season record and a 49–31 playoff record. His 193 wins are a franchise record. He became the only coach in team history to record 40 or more wins during his first four seasons as head coach. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/avalanche/2002-12-18-hartley_x.htm
, Hartley was appointed as the second full-time head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers
, who were looking for a replacement after original coach Curt Fraser
was fired following an 8–20–4–1 start on January 15, 2003. Hartley immediately went to work on the team's fortunes. The team went 20–14–5–1 down the stretch and were in the playoff race for the second half of the season, giving hope to Thrasher fans. Hartley's first full season behind the Atlanta bench began with tragedy following the death of Dan Snyder
and loss of Dany Heatley
for the majority of the season. The team overcame the adversity and set new franchise records for wins and points in a single season with a 33–37–8–4 record. Under Hartley's guidance, rising star Ilya Kovalchuk
became a tri-winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy. Following the lockout, the Thrashers endured yet another slow start and multiple injuries at the goaltending position. After original goalies Kari Lehtonen
and Mike Dunham
were injured, Hartley was forced to use prospects Adam Berkhoel
and Michael Garnett
along with journeyman Steve Shields
, the Thrashers posted the first winning season in franchise history with a 41–33–8 record, but fell short for a playoff appearance after losing out to the Tampa Bay Lightning
in the final week of the regular season by two points. The 2006–07 NHL season was one of many accomplishments for the young Thrashers under Hartley's guidance. The team won their first Southeast Division
title, setting new franchise records for wins and points with a 43–28–11 record, good enough for 97 points and third seed in the Eastern Conference
. The team also clinched its first playoff berth in franchise history and played the New York Rangers
in the first round. As of April 16, 2007, Hartley is the all-time winningest coach in franchise history.http://www.atlantathrashers.com/TheTeam.aspx?Levels=1|0|0&CID01=caf96940-eb37-404a-8a28-4130949be1d4 On October 17, 2007, Hartley was fired and was temporarily replaced by Don Waddell
, the current general manager. Hartley was under fire because the team had yet to register a point in six regular season games, and was league worst in goals, and 27th in the league in goals against.
, replacing former Team Sweden coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson, the man behind the bench for Sweden’s 2006 Olympic Gold Medal in Turin.
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. He coached the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
from 1998–2002, period during which he won the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
(2000–2001). He also coached the Atlanta Thrashers
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season...
from the 2003 up until the beginning of the 2007, when he was fired after the Thrashers got off to an 0–6 start. Hartley was enjoying a successful media career as a hockey analyst for the French-language RDS
Réseau des sports
Réseau des sports , is a Canadian French language Category C specialty channel showing sports and sport-related shows. It is available in 2.5 million homes, and is owned by CTV Specialty Television Inc....
television channel, but in summer 2011 signed for the Zcs Lions: he is now head coach in Zurich, Switherland.
Hartley and his wife, Micheline, have one daughter, Kristine and one son, Steve.
Despite his anglophone-sounding name, Hartley is a Franco-Ontarian
Franco-Ontarian
Franco-Ontarians are French Canadian or francophone residents of the Canadian province of Ontario. They are sometimes known as "Ontarois"....
. French is his first language; his English has a marked French accent.
Early years
Bob Hartley never played a game in the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
, instead beginning his coaching career with a junior A team in his hometown of Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury, Ontario
Hawkesbury is a town in the Eastern portion of Southern Ontario, Canada, on the Ottawa River, near the Quebec-Ontario border.It lies on the south shore of the Ottawa River about halfway between Downtown Ottawa and Downtown Montreal in Prescott and Russell Counties. The Long-Sault Bridge links it...
. After guiding the team to a championship, his accolades caught the eye of the Laval Titan
Acadie-Bathurst Titan
The Acadie–Bathurst Titan is a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League . They play at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre in Bathurst, New Brunswick.-History:...
of the QMJHL
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League...
. While Hartley was coaching the junior A Hawkesbury Hawks
Hawkesbury Hawks
The Hawkesbury Hawks are a Junior "A" ice hockey team from Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada. They are a part of the Central Junior A Hockey League.-History:...
, he worked full time as an assembly line worker at PPG Industries
PPG Industries
PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion...
in Hawkesbury.http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1027388467948_22797667/
Laval Titan
Hartley's tenure as the Laval TitanLaval Titan
The Laval Titan was one of the names used by a junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League franchise that played in Laval, Quebec, between 1971 and 1998.-History:...
head coach was marked with success. He recorded an 81–52–7 record in two seasons with the team. In his second season as the team's head coach, he guided the team to a Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
participation in 1993.
American Hockey League
Hartley was hired as an assistant coach of the American Hockey LeagueAmerican Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
's Cornwall Aces
Cornwall Aces
The Cornwall Aces were the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Quebec Nordiques from 1993 to 1995, and the relocated Colorado Avalanche in 1995–96. They were based in the eastern Ontario city of Cornwall, and played at the Ed Lumley Arena inside the Cornwall Civic Complex...
under Jacques Martin. When Martin was appointed assistant coach of the parent Quebec Nordiques
Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
, Hartley was promoted to head coach and guided the Aces to two division titles during the team's three year history. When the relocated Nordiques, now known as the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
, became affiliated with the Hershey Bears
Hershey Bears
The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...
, Hartley followed the team and was named head coach of the Bears. Hartley's tenure with the Bears was a success as he guided the team to four consecutive playoff appearances and a Calder Cup
Calder Cup
The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
title in 1997, adding yet another accolade to his coaching career.
Colorado Avalanche
Hartley's success with the Bears caught the eye of then-AvalancheColorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
general manager Pierre Lacroix, who was looking for a replacement for Marc Crawford
Marc Crawford
Marc Joseph John Crawford is a Canadian professional ice hockey head coach, most recently employed by the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. He was previously the head coach of three other organizations and won a Stanley Cup in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche...
who was fired by the team following a first round playoff exit. Hartley was hired as the team's second head coach since the relocation to Denver on June 2, 1998. In his first season with the Avs, the team got off to a 2–1–6 start, the mediocre start prompted skeptics to question the hiring. When the team caught fire in mid-December, they won their first Northwest Division
Northwest Division (NHL)
The NHL's Northwest Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Western Conference due to expansion. Like the Pacific Division, the Northwest Division is also a descendant of the former Smythe Division, as three of its Canadian teams played in that division from 1981–1993...
title and fifth straight overall. During the 1999 Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
playoffs, the team defeated the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the first round and halted the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
quest for a three-peat
Three-peat
Three-peat is a contraction of the words three and repeat, which has been trademarked for commercial use by retired basketball coach Pat Riley; the active trademarks in force are registered under numbers 1552980, 1878690, and 1886018...
before bowing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...
in the Western Finals. Hartley's second season saw the team win their sixth consecutive division title along with playoff victories over the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
and a rematch with the Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
before bowing to the defending champion Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...
in the Western Final for the second consecutive year. Hartley's third season was ultimately his most successful one. Motivated by Ray Bourque
Ray Bourque
Raymond Jean "Ray" Bourque is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently holds records for most goals, assists and points by a defenceman in the National Hockey League . Bourque has become near-synonymous with the Boston Bruins franchise, for which he played 21 seasons and...
's desire to win a Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
championship, the Avs coasted through the league with a 52–16–10–4 record, a seventh consecutive division title along with the President's Trophy. The playoffs began with a first round sweep of the eighth seed Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
before enduring a seven game scare by the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the Western Semi-Finals before cakewalking past the St. Louis Blues in five games, setting up a Stanley Cup Finals
Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals is the championship series to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, emblematic of the professional club championship of ice hockey. Although the Cup itself has existed since 1893, an annual championship series between professional teams was not established until 1913...
matchup with the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NHL)
The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....
's No. 1 seed New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. After falling behind three games to two in the series, the Avs rallied back to win the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
championship, accomplishing Bourque's goal, and making it the second straight year that defending champions had lost in the finals, as the Devils themselves beat the 1999 champion
1999 Stanley Cup Finals
The 1999 Stanley Cup Final NHL championship series was contested by the Eastern Conference champion Buffalo Sabres and the Western Conference champion Dallas Stars. It was the 106th year of the Stanley Cup. The Sabres were led by captain Michael Peca, coach Lindy Ruff and goalie Dominik Hasek. The...
Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...
the year before
2000 Stanley Cup Finals
The 2000 Stanley Cup Finals was contested by the Eastern Conference champion New Jersey Devils and the Western Conference and defending Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars. The Devils were led by captain Scott Stevens, coach Larry Robinson and goalie Martin Brodeur...
.
Another notable milestone from the 2000–01 NHL season for Hartley included coaching the North American All-Star team to a 14–11 victory on home ice. Hartley brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury, Ontario
Hawkesbury is a town in the Eastern portion of Southern Ontario, Canada, on the Ottawa River, near the Quebec-Ontario border.It lies on the south shore of the Ottawa River about halfway between Downtown Ottawa and Downtown Montreal in Prescott and Russell Counties. The Long-Sault Bridge links it...
, bringing the trophy to the PPG Industries
PPG Industries
PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion...
plant he worked at. The following season, the team won their eighth consecutive division title and looked sharp in their quest for a second consecutive Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
. At the start of the playoffs, Hartley became the first head coach since Billy Reay
Billy Reay
William Tulip Reay was a Canadian National Hockey League hockey player and coach.Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he played in the NHL for 10 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings. In 479 games, he scored 105 goals and 267 points and in 63 playoff games, he scored 13 goals and...
to guide his teams to four consecutive conference final appearances. After two grueling playoff series victories over the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
and San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
, in a repeat of the 1997 Western Finals, the team bowed to the arch rival Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
who would go on to become the eventual Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
champions. Hartley's tenure with the Avalanche ended on December 17, 2002, when the team endured a 10–8–9–4 start and was replaced by assistant coach Tony Granato
Tony Granato
Anthony Lewis Granato is an American retired National Hockey League left winger and a former head coach and assistant coach of the Colorado Avalanche...
. Hartley left the Avalanche franchise with a 193–109–48 regular season record and a 49–31 playoff record. His 193 wins are a franchise record. He became the only coach in team history to record 40 or more wins during his first four seasons as head coach. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/avalanche/2002-12-18-hartley_x.htm
Atlanta Thrashers
One month after being fired by the AvalancheColorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
, Hartley was appointed as the second full-time head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season...
, who were looking for a replacement after original coach Curt Fraser
Curt Fraser
Curtis Martin Fraser is a former ice hockey player of dual American and Canadian citizenship...
was fired following an 8–20–4–1 start on January 15, 2003. Hartley immediately went to work on the team's fortunes. The team went 20–14–5–1 down the stretch and were in the playoff race for the second half of the season, giving hope to Thrasher fans. Hartley's first full season behind the Atlanta bench began with tragedy following the death of Dan Snyder
Dan Snyder
Daniel Snyder was a professional Canadian ice hockey player. He played as a centre in the National Hockey League for the Atlanta Thrashers...
and loss of Dany Heatley
Dany Heatley
Daniel James Heatley is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger, and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers second overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top NHL rookie in 2002...
for the majority of the season. The team overcame the adversity and set new franchise records for wins and points in a single season with a 33–37–8–4 record. Under Hartley's guidance, rising star Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Valerevich Kovalchuk is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger who is an alternate captain of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. Drafted first overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, he began his NHL career in 2001–02 with Atlanta and was...
became a tri-winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy. Following the lockout, the Thrashers endured yet another slow start and multiple injuries at the goaltending position. After original goalies Kari Lehtonen
Kari Lehtonen
Kari Lehtonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League...
and Mike Dunham
Mike Dunham
Michael Dunham is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently the goaltending coach for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
were injured, Hartley was forced to use prospects Adam Berkhoel
Adam Berkhoel
Adam Berkhoel is a retired ice hockey goaltender. He was drafted 240th overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.-Playing career:...
and Michael Garnett
Michael Garnett
Michael Garnett is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League...
along with journeyman Steve Shields
Steve Shields (hockey player)
Steven Charles Shields is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:Shields grew up in North Bay, Ontario playing minor hockey until Bantam with the local Athletics AA program of the NOHA. At age 16, Shields moved to southern Ontario to play for the St. Marys Lincolns...
, the Thrashers posted the first winning season in franchise history with a 41–33–8 record, but fell short for a playoff appearance after losing out to the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
in the final week of the regular season by two points. The 2006–07 NHL season was one of many accomplishments for the young Thrashers under Hartley's guidance. The team won their first Southeast Division
Southeast Division (NHL)
The NHL's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion.The Southeast Division is the only one of the six divisions that does not have a precursor from the Wales/Campbell conference era ....
title, setting new franchise records for wins and points with a 43–28–11 record, good enough for 97 points and third seed in the Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference (NHL)
The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....
. The team also clinched its first playoff berth in franchise history and played the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
in the first round. As of April 16, 2007, Hartley is the all-time winningest coach in franchise history.http://www.atlantathrashers.com/TheTeam.aspx?Levels=1|0|0&CID01=caf96940-eb37-404a-8a28-4130949be1d4 On October 17, 2007, Hartley was fired and was temporarily replaced by Don Waddell
Don Waddell
Donald Waddell is the former, and last President of the Atlanta Thrashers and a former ice hockey defenseman.-Playing career:...
, the current general manager. Hartley was under fire because the team had yet to register a point in six regular season games, and was league worst in goals, and 27th in the league in goals against.
ZSC Lions
On March 14, 2011, Hartley signed a two-year contract to coach the ZSC LionsZSC Lions
The Zürcher Schlittschuh Club Lions are a professional ice hockey team located in Zürich, Switzerland, playing in the National League A. The home arena, the 10,700 seat Hallenstadion, is in the Zürich district of Oerlikon...
, replacing former Team Sweden coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson, the man behind the bench for Sweden’s 2006 Olympic Gold Medal in Turin.
Coaching record
| Team | |Regular season | COL Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... |
1998–99 | 82 | 44 | 19 | 19 | – | 107 | 1st in Northwest Northwest Division (NHL) The NHL's Northwest Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Western Conference due to expansion. Like the Pacific Division, the Northwest Division is also a descendant of the former Smythe Division, as three of its Canadian teams played in that division from 1981–1993... |
11 | 8 | .578 | Conference Finalist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COL | 1999–2000 | 82 | 42 | 19 | 20 | 1 | 105 | 1st in Northwest | 11 | 6 | .647 | Conference Finalist | |||
| COL | 2000–01 | 82 | 52 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 118 | 1st in Northwest | 16 | 7 | .695 | Won Stanley Cup Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug... |
|||
| COL | 2001–02 | 82 | 45 | 19 | 15 | 2 | 108 | 1st in Northwest | 11 | 10 | .523 | Conference Finalist | |||
| COL | 2002–03 | 31 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 4 | (105) | 1st in Northwest | – | – | – | Fired after 31 games | |||
| ATL Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season... |
2002–03 | 40 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 1 | 46 | 3rd in Southeast Southeast Division (NHL) The NHL's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion.The Southeast Division is the only one of the six divisions that does not have a precursor from the Wales/Campbell conference era .... |
– | – | – | Missed playoffs | |||
| ATL | 2003–04 | 82 | 33 | 37 | 8 | 4 | 78 | 2nd in Southeast | – | – | – | Missed playoffs | |||
| ATL | 2005–06 | 82 | 41 | 33 | – | 8 | 90 | 3rd in Southeast | – | – | – | Missed playoffs | |||
| ATL | 2006–07 | 82 | 43 | 28 | – | 11 | 97 | 1st in Southeast | 0 | 4 | .000 | Conference Quarterfinalist | |||
| ATL | 2007–08 | 6 | 0 | 6 | – | 0 | (76) | 5th in Southeast | – | – | – | Fired after six games | |||
| Total | 651 | 329 | 226 | 61 | 34 | .581 | 49 | 35 | .559 | ||||||
Championships
- Calder CupCalder CupThe Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
– 1997 Hershey BearsHershey BearsThe Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... - Stanley CupStanley CupThe Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
– 2001 Colorado AvalancheColorado AvalancheThe Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... - Northwest Division TitleNorthwest Division (NHL)The NHL's Northwest Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Western Conference due to expansion. Like the Pacific Division, the Northwest Division is also a descendant of the former Smythe Division, as three of its Canadian teams played in that division from 1981–1993...
– 1999–2002 Colorado AvalancheColorado AvalancheThe Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... - Southeast Division TitleSoutheast Division (NHL)The NHL's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion.The Southeast Division is the only one of the six divisions that does not have a precursor from the Wales/Campbell conference era ....
– 2007 Atlanta ThrashersAtlanta ThrashersThe Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season...