67’s wish André Tourigny the best as the Bear accepts NHL head coaching job

André Tourigny is heading back to The Show.

The 67’s Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations announced Thursday he has accepted the head coaching job with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, bringing to an end a hugely successful run behind the Barber Poles bench.

Tourigny leaves Ottawa as the club’s winningest coach since the legendary Brian Kilrea and becomes an NHL head coach for the first time following two previous stints as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators.

In 198 career OHL games behind the 67’s bench, Tourigny went 130-52-16, winning the East Division the past two seasons as Ottawa developed into a league superpower.

“I’d like to thank the OSEG ownership group — Roger Greenberg, John Ruddy, John Pugh and Bill Shenkman — for their constant support and CEO Mark Goudie for believing in us every step of the way,” said Tourigny, who quickly became a fan and media favourite in Ottawa with his frank answers mixed with his trademark sense of humour. “I also want to thank James Boyd and Jan Egert, the best partners I could have ever asked for, for always being up for a new challenge. It’s been an incredible experience being part of the 67’s and OSEG family and I’ll always be grateful for what we were able to accomplish here together. I’m leaving Ottawa knowing that a culture of hard work, respect, and community involvement is as strong as it’s ever been. The Ottawa 67’s are in great hands. Thank you to the staff, the fans, and the City of Ottawa for everything.”

Along with General Manager James Boyd, Tourigny not only coached his team to become a perennial championship contender but taught his young players a culture of hard work and personal responsibility both on and off the ice. That led to back-to-back 50-win seasons for the 67’s with a roster of players who treated and continue to treat their roles in the community with the same importance they place on hockey.

“During his time in Ottawa, André has been involved in every facet of our organization, driving us forward with his boundless energy, enthusiasm and supportive leadership style,” said Boyd. “In addition to the well-documented hockey awards and accolades, it is most important to note that the 67’s received a distinguished league award in 2019-2020 for performing more than 1000 hours of community service. We have also seen players win multiple OHL Academic Awards during André’s tenure while thriving in our unique high-performance development system. All of which speaks to André’s belief and commitment that ‘high performance’ extends beyond the ice at TD Place.

It is not the least bit surprising to us that the man we call ‘The Bear’ will be moving on to coach at the highest level. André’s positive influence will continue to be felt for years to come.”

Tourigny’s rise through the coaching ranks goes back to 2002 when he began what would become a decade-plus tenure as Head Coach and GM of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. He would make the jump to the NHL as an assistant with Colorado before joining the Senators in 2015. He returned to the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads in 2016 before joining the 67’s the following year.

“André is one-of-a-kind and the best coach I have ever been around,” said OSEG President and CEO Mark Goudie. “But, as good a coach as André is and as spectacular as the record-breaking seasons and sell-out playoff crowds that we enjoyed with him were, that won’t be his legacy; André’s legacy will be what he had been able to build with James Boyd in terms of a team culture and world-class junior hockey program.

“I know that foundation and the identity that the 67’s have re-established will serve us well into the future.  Our program turns out great hockey players, for sure, but more importantly, it turns out mature, quality young men who are ready for what comes next with their lives.”