Jim Montgomery perfectly embodies the concept of second chances. After overcoming the drinking problems that led to his release from Dallas, the Montreal native is happily leading the best team in the NHL.
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The 53-year-old head coach, who is visiting Bell Center for the first time since the Bruins were hired, thanks Life for the trust the organization has placed in him.
“I’m very grateful. I have a chance with the Boston Bruins. They gave me a second chance. But most of all, I’m excited to be working with someone like Patrice Bergeron. He’s an incredible man,” said Montgomery, who will star at the December 10, 2019.
It’s funny how life is ironic sometimes. Montgomery now sits behind the bench on the team he cursed growing up. The one who built the great rivalry that is still alive today.
“When I was young I saw so many games of this great rivalry. I wasn’t cheering for the Bruins back then. Now I’m a big Bruins fan,” he said with a grin.
Humble and humble
Leading a team as wealthy as the Bruins, who are dominant on both offense and defense, seems like a boon for someone looking to reestablish their name on the Bettman circuit. With so many veterans and leaders in this locker room, you’d think this team would walk alone.
“Yes it is (easy to coach). There are so many players playing for the logo, Montgomery said in impeccable French. It’s incredible. I’ve never seen that before. The Bruins have so many great teammates. They want to help each other.”
According to his players, Montgomery shows great humility.
“Jim is a humble man. He deserved this second chance in the NHL. He doesn’t want to talk too much about himself, but he has a huge impact on our team’s success, said Nick Foligno. We know what he’s doing behind the scenes. He’s a good communicator. He conveys his messages well and clearly.”
A pleasant surprise
Bergeron, a second-round pick in 2003 (43rd overall), is in his 19th season in the black and yellow uniform. Montgomery is his sixth coach. So he has enough retrospective to appreciate the work of his new pilot.
“I’m pleasantly surprised with all his hockey knowledge and the way he communicates with us. On the bench, he adapts very quickly. Whether individually or collectively, he finds solutions,” said the Bruins captain.
A man of his time, Montgomery is a hundred miles distant from Scotty Bowman, who acts as his mentor and with whom he communicates regularly.
“No, I don’t have the same methods he did on curfew,” he laughed.
“Jim has a great sense of humor. Sometimes a head coach tries to maintain a reserve in order to build some authority. But he finds a nice way to reconcile the two. He knows how to make guys laugh but also serious.
Obviously this is a recipe that works.