(Scottsdale) The Arizona Coyotes announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a three-year contract extension for head coach André Tourigny.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are very pleased to sign a three-year extension with André,” said GM Bill Armstrong. He is a great coach, leader and communicator who has helped us establish an amazing culture in our locker room. Our players appreciate him, respect him and compete for him. We are delighted to have him as head coach for the next three years. »
Tourigny has coached the Coyotes for the past two seasons. Under him, the team compiled a 53-90-21 record.
His mission will be to continue to develop the young players of the team in the hope of returning the Coyotes to playoff contention.
The Coyotes have some interesting players like forwards Clayton Keller, Lawson Crouse, Nick Schmaltz, Matias Maccelli, Barrett Hayton and Dylan Guenther, as well as defensemen Juuso Valimaki and J.J. Moser. Without forgetting of course the first-rate prospect Logan Cooley, who has just signed his entry contract.
The Coyotes have also been able to attract some interesting free agents this summer, including Jason Zucker, Nick Bjugstad, Alex Kerfoot or Matt Dumba.
“The structure put in place by our management has energized our team,” Tourigny said. I am also very lucky to be able to count on a team of quality coaches. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with them every day. In addition, our high performance, development, medical and equipment managers are doing a great job looking after our players. It is the best environment one could dream of having.
“I also feel very lucky to work with our group of players. The hard work and commitment to the team they have shown over the past two years has laid the foundation for our culture. It’s an exciting time to be part of the Coyotes. My family and I love the Valley and are excited about our long-term commitment to Arizona. »
Last winter, the team scored 13 more points than the previous season. The Coyotes notably had success at Mullett Arena, their temporary 5,000-seat home, compiling a 21-15-5 record.
Tourigny then led the Canadian team to the World Hockey Championship this spring, when it won gold. Three Coyotes players were on the team: Crouse, Jack McBain and Michael Carcone.
Prior to joining the Coyotes, Tourigny led the Ottawa 67’s in the OHL. He also guided Canada to silver at the World Junior Championship in January 2021, after helping as an assistant when they won gold in 2020.
Tourigny also worked in the NHL from 2013-15 with the Colorado Avalanche and in 2015-16 with the Ottawa Senators.