Coach 'Q' Keepin' On

  Chicago Blackhawks’ coach Joel Quenneville has received a three-year contract extension after leading the team to its’ first Stanley Cup in 49 years.

  Just as important to the Blackhawks’ future and continued defense of the Stanley Cup is Joel Quenneville, alongside franchise players like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith.

"I kind of put this in that same category, which is having that leadership at the top," vice president and general manager Stan Bowman said. "You want to have the right person in charge of the group. Once we made that decision and talked about it internally, there was no reason to put it off. It was natural to get at it this summer and get it off the list."

  Quenneville spoke of his renewal with the Blackhawks while maintaining the demeanor that fans and players alike have grown to love over his coaching and playing career.

"As a coach I never like to refer to my situation publicly, but at the same time we're very happy about being here and being part of something special," he said. "I'd rather talk about hockey and the team. I can't wait to get started."

  The off-season was a story of change across the board for the Chicago Blackhawks. Ten roster players have left the team via free-agency and trade after winning the Stanley Cup together last year. Quenneville is no stranger to thinned-out rosters and will surely achieve the maximum with whatever squad he has on his bench. For as much as critics want to count the Blackhawks out and pin them for failure, when one really looks at this roster it’s clear that the Blackhawks have maintained a great team and will be vying for the Championship once again.

"That's the exciting part for me right now, is looking at our team," Quenneville said. "We've got some new faces and we're trying to put it all together. We're going to find out how good we're really going to be. There's probably some nice places to play in the League, but nothing compares to Chicago," He went on, "We should all feel fortunate about being here, whether it's as players or coaches -- and we welcome the challenge (of repeating)."

  The Stanley Cup comes at the end of his second season with the Blackhawks after replacing Denis Savard in October of 2008. Through his two years his record with the Blackhawks is 97-44-19, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals in 2008-2009, and ultimately winning the Stanley Cup last year against the Philadelphia Flyers. During his time in Chicago he reached his 500th win in December of 2009, and his Stanley Cup victory was his second, but first as head coach.

  Joel Quenneville is a proven coach and possesses a personality loved across the NHL. In 13 seasons as an NHL coach, Quenneville is 535-327-77-60 in 999 games. He spent a solid and hard fought 8 years in St. Louis, 3 years in Colorado, and will be heading into his third year as head coach of the Blackhawks. In his 13 year coaching career Quenneville has only missed the Playoffs twice.

"When you've got a lot of star players on a team, it can be difficult," GM Bowman said. "There's only one puck to go around. There's only so much ice time to divvy up. You've got to get your players to buy into their roles, because everybody has a role on the team. Overriding everything else, that's what Joel has done a great job at. It's not an easy League to coach in, so in order to be successful you need to be a talented coach -- and Joel certainly is that."

- Kendall Grubbs