The Moser Medical Graz99ers have presented their new head coach: 56-year-old Canadian Dan Lacroix.
When the Graz99ers got the hint in the middle of sorting through several dozen names to keep an eye on Dan Lacroix, they didn’t even know “whether he was even interested in a new coaching job again,” said sports director and interim head coach Philipp Pinter. Especially since Lacroix, after a year of private time out, was a man in demand in many places, but wanted to wait for the right moment and the most exciting task for him. “World class both professionally and personally,” is how Pinter describes the new Graz head coach. “Whether from players, coaches or managers, whether from the NHL or from Europe – you only hear the very best from him.” This is also how Daniel “Dan” Lacroix’s coaching resume reads: Twelve years as an assistant coach in the North American NHL. Every twelve years at the best addresses, in addition to Tampa Bay and New York Islanders also at the so-called Original Six, the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers. Side by side with all-time coaching greats like John Cooper (Tampa Bay) and Claude Julienne (Montréal).
Dan Lacroix’s first European destination was the DEL and Cologne, where he replaced Peter Draisaitl in January 2019 and then led the Haie to the semi-finals. From the start, however, only as an interim coach; Former VSV coach Mike Stewart has already been confirmed as Cologne coach for the following season. While working in Lithuania to help rebuild the national team, Lacroix returned to the Moncton Wildcats in the highly respected Quebec Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Dan Lacroix is expected in Graz next Tuesday, initially with a contract until the end of the season. He will get to know his new team for the first time at the Wednesday morning training session. The debut as head coach of the Graz99ers depends on the official and visa formalities.
Dan Lacroix, Head Coach Graz99ers: “It is an honor and I see it as a privilege to be the new coach and now to be part of the 99ers family. I am really looking forward to getting to know the players, the coaching staff, all the people behind the entire organization and the fans and working together to achieve our goals.”
ice.hockey , Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
