Peter DeBoer
Encyclopedia
Peter DeBoer is the head coach of the New Jersey Devils
of the National Hockey League
(NHL) and current part-owner of the Oshawa Generals
of the Ontario Hockey League
(OHL). He was an OHL head coach for 13 seasons behind the bench of the Detroit Whalers
(1995–97), Plymouth Whalers
(1997–2001), and Kitchener Rangers
(2001–08), and was the head coach of the NHL
's Florida Panthers
from June 13, 2008 until he was fired on April 10, 2011. He was named the head coach of the New Jersey Devils on July 19, 2011. He is a two-time winner of the OHL Coach of the Year trophy and led the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup
victory in 2003. He holds a law degree from the University of Windsor/University of Detroit.
DeBoer was drafted 237th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs
in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft
. At the time he was playing with the Windsor Spitfires
in the OHL, and in his best offensive season with them he scored 45 goals and 46 assists for 91 points. After Windsor, DeBoer went on to play for the Milwaukee Admirals
of the International Hockey League, and played two full seasons with them. In his last season with the Admirals, he scored 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points and retired after that season.
, and DeBoer was promoted to the dual position of head coach-general manager as Paul Maurice
left the team to become the coach of the Hartford Whalers
in the NHL
. DeBoer guided the Whalers to a first place finish in the West Division, as Detroit advanced to the third round in the playoffs. In 1996-97, Detroit struggled to a 26-34-6 record and was eliminated in the first round of the post-season.
during the 1997 off-season, and the team rebounded to a second place finish in the West Division with a 37-22-7 record, and for the second time in three seasons they advanced to the third round of the playoffs. In 1998-99, DeBoer led the team to a league leading 106 points, earning them the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
, and DeBoer winning the Matt Leyden Trophy
as OHL Coach of the Year. Plymouth had a disappointing playoff run though, as they were defeated by the underdog London Knights
in the second round of the playoffs.
In 1999–2000, Plymouth once again had the best record in the league, earning DeBoer his second straight Matt Leyden Trophy
. The Whalers advanced all the way to the J. Ross Robertson Cup
finals, before losing to the Barrie Colts
4-2 in the seventh and deciding game.
The Whalers had another very successful season in 2000-01, winning the West Division for the third consecutive season, and having the second best record in the league. Plymouth got hot in the playoffs, winning their first nine games, and advanced to the J. Ross Robertson Cup
for the second season in a row. In the final round, Plymouth lost to the Ottawa 67's
in six games.
After the season, both DeBoer and his assistant, Steve Spott
, decided to leave the Whalers and join the Kitchener Rangers
in similar positions.
rivals, the Guelph Storm
.
The Rangers continued to improve in the 2002-03 season, winning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
as Kitchener had a league best 100 points. In the playoffs, the Rangers quickly swept the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
in the first round, followed by a five game series win over the Guelph Storm
, setting up a Western Conference matchup against DeBoer's former team, the Plymouth Whalers
. After the Whalers won the fifth game by a 2-1 score in overtime to take a 3-2 series lead, the Rangers rebounded and staved off elimination by winning the final two games of the series, advancing to the J. Ross Robertson Cup
finals against the Ottawa 67's
. Ottawa took the series opener, however, Kitchener rebounded and won four in a row to win the cup and earn a berth in the 2003 Memorial Cup
. DeBoer led the Rangers to a perfect 3-0 record during the round-robin portion of the tournament, sending Kitchener to the finals against the Hull Olympiques. The Rangers would easily defeat Hull 6-3 in the game to win their first Memorial Cup
since 1982.
Kitchener saw themselves in a rebuilding season in 2003-04, however, DeBoer helped the club finish fourth in the Western Conference with a 34-26-6-2 record, but the team struggled in the playoffs, and lost to the Plymouth Whalers
in five games in the opening round. The 2004-05 season saw the team once again finish in third in their division and fourth in the conference. DeBoer led the Rangers to a first round victory over the Erie Otters
, then helped Kitchener to a stunning series sweep over the powerful Owen Sound Attack
. In the third round, the Rangers faced the record-setting London Knights
, and were quickly eliminated in five games.
In 2005-06, Kitchener saw their point total improve to 96, the third highest in the league, however, they were upset by the Owen Sound Attack
in the first round of the playoffs. The team increased their point total to 98 in the 2006-07 season, finishing third in the Western Conference, and easily sweeping the Sarnia Sting
in the first round. Kitchener would struggle in the second round, losing in five games to the Plymouth Whalers
.
With the Rangers being named the host of the 2008 Memorial Cup
, Kitchener put together one of the best regular season's in OHL history, finishing with a 53-11-4 record, earning a league high 110 points to win the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
. The DeBoer led Rangers quickly swept the Plymouth Whalers
and Sarnia Sting
in the first two rounds, before disposing the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
in the Western Conference finals. In the J. Ross Robertson Cup
finals, the Rangers took the first three games of the series, however, the Belleville Bulls
rebounded and took the next three games, setting up a seventh game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. In the last game of the series, the Rangers defeated the Bulls 4-1 to win the championship. During the 2008 Memorial Cup
, the Rangers had a 2-1 record in the round-robin, setting up a rematch against the Bulls in the semi-finals. Kitchener exploded for a 9-0 win, and would face the Spokane Chiefs
in the final game. The Chiefs spoiled the Rangers party though, defeating Kitchener 4-1.
in the National Hockey League
. The DeBoer led Panthers finished with the second best point total in team history, as they had a 41-30-11 record, earning 93 points, just behind the 1999–2000 Panthers, who had 98. The 93 points though was not enough for the Panthers to earn a post-season berth, as they finished in ninth in the Eastern Conference.
In the 2009-10 season, the Panthers struggled, as they finished with a 32-37-13 record, earning 77 points, and last place in the Southeast Division. The 77 points was the lowest point total by the Panthers since 2003-04.
The Panthers continued to struggle in the 2010-11 season, as Florida finished in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 30-40-12 record, earning 72 points. After the season, the Panthers fired DeBoer with one year remaining on his contract.
following two interviews with Devils GM Lou Lamoriello
.
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...
of 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...
(NHL) and current part-owner of the Oshawa Generals
Oshawa Generals
The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League...
of the Ontario Hockey League
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada....
(OHL). He was an OHL head coach for 13 seasons behind the bench of the Detroit Whalers
Detroit Whalers
The Detroit Whalers were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League for two seasons from 1995 to 1997. The Whalers were based in the greater Detroit, Michigan area.-History:...
(1995–97), Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
(1997–2001), and Kitchener Rangers
Kitchener Rangers
The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted...
(2001–08), and was the head coach of the NHL
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...
's Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
from June 13, 2008 until he was fired on April 10, 2011. He was named the head coach of the New Jersey Devils on July 19, 2011. He is a two-time winner of the OHL Coach of the Year trophy and led the Kitchener Rangers 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...
victory in 2003. He holds a law degree from the University of Windsor/University of Detroit.
Playing career
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1985–86 1985–86 OHL season The 1985–86 OHL season was the 6th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Guelph Platers won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Belleville Bulls.-Final standings:-Scoring leaders:-Division Quarterfinals:... |
Windsor Compuware Spitfires | OHL Ontario Hockey League The Ontario Hockey League is one of the three Major Junior ice hockey leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. The league is for players aged 15-20.The OHL also operates under the Ontario Hockey Federation of Hockey Canada.... |
55 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 20 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 1986–87 1986–87 OHL season The 1986–87 OHL season was the 7th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the North Bay Centennials.-Final standings:-Scoring leaders:... |
Windsor Compuware Spitfires | OHL | 52 | 13 | 17 | 30 | 37 | 14 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 16 | ||
| 1987–88 | Windsor Compuware Spitfires | OHL | 54 | 23 | 18 | 41 | 41 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 14 | ||
| 1988–89 | Windsor Compuware Spitfires | OHL | 65 | 45 | 46 | 91 | 40 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 1988–89 | Milwaukee Admirals Milwaukee Admirals The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA at the Bradley Center.-History:... |
IHL | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1989–90 | Milwaukee Admirals | IHL | 67 | 21 | 19 | 40 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | ||
| 1990–91 | Milwaukee Admirals | IHL | 82 | 27 | 34 | 61 | 34 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | ||
| OHL totals | 226 | 84 | 87 | 171 | 138 | 41 | 11 | 16 | 27 | 30 | ||||
| IHL totals | 151 | 48 | 54 | 102 | 50 | 13 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 6 | ||||
DeBoer was drafted 237th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft
1988 NHL Entry Draft
The 1988 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Forum in Montreal, Quebec.-Selections by round:Below are listed the selections in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft...
. At the time he was playing with the Windsor Spitfires
Windsor Spitfires
The Windsor Spitfires are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The team is based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The franchise was granted for the 1975–76 season and revived a previous OHA Jr. A Spitfires team which moved to become the Hamilton Tiger Cubs in 1953.-History:The...
in the OHL, and in his best offensive season with them he scored 45 goals and 46 assists for 91 points. After Windsor, DeBoer went on to play for the Milwaukee Admirals
Milwaukee Admirals
The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA at the Bradley Center.-History:...
of the International Hockey League, and played two full seasons with them. In his last season with the Admirals, he scored 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points and retired after that season.
Detroit Whalers
DeBoer became an assistant coach for the Detroit Junior Red Wings during the 1994-95 season. During the 1995 off-season, the club was renamed the Detroit WhalersDetroit Whalers
The Detroit Whalers were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League for two seasons from 1995 to 1997. The Whalers were based in the greater Detroit, Michigan area.-History:...
, and DeBoer was promoted to the dual position of head coach-general manager as Paul Maurice
Paul Maurice
Paul Maurice is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player and twice head coach of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes. At age 43, Maurice became the youngest coach in NHL history to coach 1,000 games. Maurice reached this milestone on November 28, 2010...
left the team to become the coach of the Hartford Whalers
Hartford Whalers
The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...
in the NHL
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...
. DeBoer guided the Whalers to a first place finish in the West Division, as Detroit advanced to the third round in the playoffs. In 1996-97, Detroit struggled to a 26-34-6 record and was eliminated in the first round of the post-season.
Plymouth Whalers
The Whalers renamed themselves to the Plymouth WhalersPlymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
during the 1997 off-season, and the team rebounded to a second place finish in the West Division with a 37-22-7 record, and for the second time in three seasons they advanced to the third round of the playoffs. In 1998-99, DeBoer led the team to a league leading 106 points, earning them the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
Hamilton Spectator Trophy
The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
, and DeBoer winning the Matt Leyden Trophy
Matt Leyden Trophy
The Matt Leyden Trophy is awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a coach from their own hockey club...
as OHL Coach of the Year. Plymouth had a disappointing playoff run though, as they were defeated by the underdog London Knights
London Knights
The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario, Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League.-Early days–1968:...
in the second round of the playoffs.
In 1999–2000, Plymouth once again had the best record in the league, earning DeBoer his second straight Matt Leyden Trophy
Matt Leyden Trophy
The Matt Leyden Trophy is awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a coach from their own hockey club...
. The Whalers advanced all the way to the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
finals, before losing to the Barrie Colts
Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts are a junior ice hockey team in Ontario Hockey League, based in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. There were two previous Barrie Colts team which played Junior A & B hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association, one from 1907 until 1910 and another from the 1920s to 1940s.-Original Colts:The...
4-2 in the seventh and deciding game.
The Whalers had another very successful season in 2000-01, winning the West Division for the third consecutive season, and having the second best record in the league. Plymouth got hot in the playoffs, winning their first nine games, and advanced to the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
for the second season in a row. In the final round, Plymouth lost to the Ottawa 67's
Ottawa 67's
The Ottawa 67’s are a junior ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario. They have played in the Ontario Hockey League since 1967, Canada's centennial year. The current coach is Chris Byrne.-History:...
in six games.
After the season, both DeBoer and his assistant, Steve Spott
Steve Spott
Steve Spott is the current head coach and general manager of the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League.-Playing career:...
, decided to leave the Whalers and join the Kitchener Rangers
Kitchener Rangers
The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted...
in similar positions.
Kitchener Rangers
DeBoer took over a Kitchener team that had missed the playoffs in the previous season and finished 10 games under .500, and quickly the club showed improvement, as the Rangers finished in third place in the Midwest Division with a 35-22-10-1 record. The team was then swept in the first round of the playoffs by their Highway 7Highway 7 (Ontario)
King's Highway 7, commonly referred to as Highway 7 and historically as the Northern Highway, is a provincially maintained highway in the Canadian province of Ontario...
rivals, the Guelph Storm
Guelph Storm
The Guelph Storm is a major junior ice hockey team based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. They have played in the OHL since the 1991–92 season. The team plays home games at the Sleeman Centre.-History:...
.
The Rangers continued to improve in the 2002-03 season, winning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
Hamilton Spectator Trophy
The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
as Kitchener had a league best 100 points. In the playoffs, the Rangers quickly swept the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey...
in the first round, followed by a five game series win over the Guelph Storm
Guelph Storm
The Guelph Storm is a major junior ice hockey team based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. They have played in the OHL since the 1991–92 season. The team plays home games at the Sleeman Centre.-History:...
, setting up a Western Conference matchup against DeBoer's former team, the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
. After the Whalers won the fifth game by a 2-1 score in overtime to take a 3-2 series lead, the Rangers rebounded and staved off elimination by winning the final two games of the series, advancing to the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
finals against the Ottawa 67's
Ottawa 67's
The Ottawa 67’s are a junior ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario. They have played in the Ontario Hockey League since 1967, Canada's centennial year. The current coach is Chris Byrne.-History:...
. Ottawa took the series opener, however, Kitchener rebounded and won four in a row to win the cup and earn a berth in the 2003 Memorial Cup
2003 Memorial Cup
The 2003 Memorial Cup occurred May 17-25 at the Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City, Quebec. It featured the host team, the Quebec Remparts as well as the winners of the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League which were the Kitchener Rangers, Hull Olympiques...
. DeBoer led the Rangers to a perfect 3-0 record during the round-robin portion of the tournament, sending Kitchener to the finals against the Hull Olympiques. The Rangers would easily defeat Hull 6-3 in the game to win their first 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...
since 1982.
Kitchener saw themselves in a rebuilding season in 2003-04, however, DeBoer helped the club finish fourth in the Western Conference with a 34-26-6-2 record, but the team struggled in the playoffs, and lost to the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
in five games in the opening round. The 2004-05 season saw the team once again finish in third in their division and fourth in the conference. DeBoer led the Rangers to a first round victory over the Erie Otters
Erie Otters
The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League . Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, they have played their home games at the Louis J. Tullio Arena since 1996...
, then helped Kitchener to a stunning series sweep over the powerful Owen Sound Attack
Owen Sound Attack
The Owen Sound Attack are a junior ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey League since the year 2000. The Attack are based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
. In the third round, the Rangers faced the record-setting London Knights
London Knights
The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario, Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League.-Early days–1968:...
, and were quickly eliminated in five games.
In 2005-06, Kitchener saw their point total improve to 96, the third highest in the league, however, they were upset by the Owen Sound Attack
Owen Sound Attack
The Owen Sound Attack are a junior ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey League since the year 2000. The Attack are based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
in the first round of the playoffs. The team increased their point total to 98 in the 2006-07 season, finishing third in the Western Conference, and easily sweeping the Sarnia Sting
Sarnia Sting
The Sarnia Sting are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of the RBC Centre, formerly the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
in the first round. Kitchener would struggle in the second round, losing in five games to the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
.
With the Rangers being named the host of the 2008 Memorial Cup
2008 Memorial Cup
-Semi-final:-Final:-Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:-Award winners:*Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy : Dustin Tokarski, Spokane*George Parsons Trophy : Matthew Halischuk, Kitchener...
, Kitchener put together one of the best regular season's in OHL history, finishing with a 53-11-4 record, earning a league high 110 points to win the Hamilton Spectator Trophy
Hamilton Spectator Trophy
The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is an award given to the Ontario Hockey League team who finishes the season with the best record. It was first presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by The Hamilton Spectator. The trophy was first presented in 1957–58....
. The DeBoer led Rangers quickly swept the Plymouth Whalers
Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:...
and Sarnia Sting
Sarnia Sting
The Sarnia Sting are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of the RBC Centre, formerly the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.-History:...
in the first two rounds, before disposing the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the Essar Centre. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey...
in the Western Conference finals. In the J. Ross Robertson Cup
J. Ross Robertson Cup
The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the...
finals, the Rangers took the first three games of the series, however, the Belleville Bulls
Belleville Bulls
The Belleville Bulls are a junior ice hockey team, founded in 1981 based in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. The team plays in the Eastern Division of the Eastern Conference of the Ontario Hockey League.-History:...
rebounded and took the next three games, setting up a seventh game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. In the last game of the series, the Rangers defeated the Bulls 4-1 to win the championship. During the 2008 Memorial Cup
2008 Memorial Cup
-Semi-final:-Final:-Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:-Award winners:*Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy : Dustin Tokarski, Spokane*George Parsons Trophy : Matthew Halischuk, Kitchener...
, the Rangers had a 2-1 record in the round-robin, setting up a rematch against the Bulls in the semi-finals. Kitchener exploded for a 9-0 win, and would face the Spokane Chiefs
Spokane Chiefs
The Spokane Chiefs are a major junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western Hockey League based out of Spokane, Washington. The team plays its home games at the Spokane Arena. Their uniforms are similar to those of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens. Spokane consistently ranks in the top 10 in the...
in the final game. The Chiefs spoiled the Rangers party though, defeating Kitchener 4-1.
Florida Panthers
DeBoer decided to take the next step in his career, and on June 13, 2008, he was named head coach of the Florida PanthersFlorida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
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...
. The DeBoer led Panthers finished with the second best point total in team history, as they had a 41-30-11 record, earning 93 points, just behind the 1999–2000 Panthers, who had 98. The 93 points though was not enough for the Panthers to earn a post-season berth, as they finished in ninth in the Eastern Conference.
In the 2009-10 season, the Panthers struggled, as they finished with a 32-37-13 record, earning 77 points, and last place in the Southeast Division. The 77 points was the lowest point total by the Panthers since 2003-04.
The Panthers continued to struggle in the 2010-11 season, as Florida finished in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 30-40-12 record, earning 72 points. After the season, the Panthers fired DeBoer with one year remaining on his contract.
New Jersey Devils
He was hired on July 19, 2011 by the New Jersey DevilsNew 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...
following two interviews with Devils GM Lou Lamoriello
Lou Lamoriello
Louis "Lou" Lamoriello is the CEO, president, and general manager of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League...
.
Coaching records
| Team | |Regular Season | DET Detroit Whalers The Detroit Whalers were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League for two seasons from 1995 to 1997. The Whalers were based in the greater Detroit, Michigan area.-History:... |
1995–96 1995–96 OHL season The 1995–96 OHL season was the 16th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Guelph Storm. The Detroit Junior Red Wings become the Detroit Whalers.-Notes:... |
66 | 40 | 22 | 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | 1st in Western | Lost in Third Round | ||||||||
| DET Detroit Whalers The Detroit Whalers were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League for two seasons from 1995 to 1997. The Whalers were based in the greater Detroit, Michigan area.-History:... |
1996–97 1996–97 OHL season The 1996–97 OHL season was the 17th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Seventeen teams each played 66 games. The Oshawa Generals won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's... |
66 | 26 | 34 | 6 | |||||
| 58 | 4th in Western | Lost in First Round | ||||||||
| PLY Plymouth Whalers The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:... |
1997–98 1997–98 OHL season The 1997–98 OHL season was the 18th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Eighteen teams each played 66 games. The Guelph Storm won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Ottawa 67's. The Toronto St. Michael's Majors name is re-activated when they are awarded a franchise, they would play in the... |
66 | 37 | 22 | 7 | |||||
| 81 | 2nd in Western | Lost in Third Round | ||||||||
| PLY Plymouth Whalers The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:... |
1998–99 1998–99 OHL season The 1998–99 OHL season was the 19th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Belleville Bulls won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the London Knights.... |
68 | 51 | 13 | 4 | |||||
| 106 | 1st in West | Lost in Second Round | ||||||||
| PLY Plymouth Whalers The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:... |
1999–2000 1999–2000 OHL season The 1999–2000 OHL season was the 20th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams each played 68 games. The Barrie Colts won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Plymouth Whalers.-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Scoring leaders:... |
68 | 45 | 18 | 4 | 1 | 95 | 1st in West | Lost in OHL Finals | |
| PLY Plymouth Whalers The Plymouth Whalers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They play out of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, USA.-History:... |
2000–01 | 68 | 43 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 96 | 1st in West | Lost in OHL Finals | |
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2001–02 | 68 | 35 | 22 | 10 | 1 | 81 | 3rd in Midwest | Lost in First Round | |
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2002–03 | 68 | 46 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 100 | 1st in Midwest | Won 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... |
|
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2003–04 | 68 | 34 | 26 | 6 | 2 | 76 | 3rd in Midwest | Lost in First Round | |
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2004–05 | 68 | 35 | 20 | 9 | 4 | 83 | 3rd in Midwest | Lost in Third Round | |
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2005–06 | 68 | 47 | 19 | ||||||
| 2 | 96 | 2nd in Midwest | Lost in First Round | |||||||
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2006–07 | 68 | 47 | 17 | ||||||
| 4 | 98 | 2nd in Midwest | Lost in Second Round | |||||||
| KIT Kitchener Rangers The Kitchener Rangers are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that have called Kitchener, Ontario, Canada their home since 1963. The Rangers are a publicly owned hockey team, governed by a 40-person Board of Directors made up of season ticket subscribers. The Rangers hosted... |
2007–08 2007–08 OHL season The 2007–08 OHL season was the 28th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams played 68 games each during the schedule, that started on September 19, 2007, and concluded on March 16, 2008.... |
68 | 53 | 11 | ||||||
| 4 | 110 | 1st in Midwest | Won J. Ross Robertson Cup J. Ross Robertson Cup The J. Ross Robertson Cup is an ice hockey trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Ontario Hockey League playoff championship. It was presented by and named for John Ross Robertson, the president of the Ontario Hockey Association who served from 1899 to 1905.Originally it was awarded to the... |
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| Total | 868 | 535 | 253 | 60 | 26 | 1164 | P%: .491 | |||
| Team | |Regular Season | FLA Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... |
2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 93 | 3rd in Southeast | Missed Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLA Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... |
2009–10 2009–10 NHL season The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010... |
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 | 5th in Southeast | Missed Playoffs | ||
| FLA Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... |
2010–11 2010–11 NHL season The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech... |
82 | 30 | 40 | 12 | 72 | 5th in Southeast | Missed Playoffs | ||
| NJ 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... |
2011–12 2011–12 NHL season The 2011–12 NHL season is the 95th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It is the fifth consecutive season that opens in Europe with NHL Premiere games. As with the previous season, three events are scheduled: two games will be held in Stockholm, Sweden; one game in Helsinki,... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Atlantic | TBD | ||
| Total | 246 | 103 | 107 | 36 | 242 | P%: .491 | ||||