Benoit Groulx (ice hockey)

Last updated

Benoit Groulx
Photo by Danny Baxter (31970151017) (cropped).jpg
Groulx in 2019
Born (1968-01-30) January 30, 1968 (age 56)
Hull, Quebec, Canada
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight 192 lb (87 kg; 13 st 10 lb)
Position Centre
Shot Left
Played for Viry-Châtillon EH
Brest Albatros Hockey
Dragons de Rouen
Playing career 19892000
Coaching career 2000present

Benoit Groulx (born January 30, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is currently serving as the head coach of Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Groulx is formerly the head coach of the Rochester Americans and Syracuse Crunch of the AHL, along with being the former head coach and general manager for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. [1]

Contents

Playing career

Groulx played major junior hockey with the Granby Bisons of the QMJHL.

Coaching career

In 2000, following an 11-year professional career played mostly in France, Groulx turned to coaching, taking an assistant position with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL. He became a head coach during the 2000–01 QMJHL season when he replaced John Chabot to take the reins of the Hull Olympiques, which was changed to the Gatineau Olympiques in 2003 following the city's amalgamation in 2002, where he won the 2003–04 Ron Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL coach of the year. He was a head coach in the American Hockey League with the Rochester Americans for both the 2008–09 and 2009–10 AHL seasons, but re-join the Gatineau Olympiques in 2010.

After serving as assistant coach under Brent Sutter at the 2014 World Junior Championships, he was named head coach for Team Canada for the 2015 World Junior Championships. [2]

Groulx was named head coach of the Syracuse Crunch on May 10, 2016, replacing Rob Zettler. [3] In his first season as head coach, he led the Crunch to the Calder Cup Finals and an Eastern Conference title. His second season as head coach of the Crunch was also success. His Crunch had a 10-game winning streak and a 7-game win streak at certain points, in which the 10-game win streak lasted from November 22, 2017 to December 15, 2017. The 7-game win streak lasted from March 14, 2018 to March 30, 2018. He also led the Crunch to their highest win percentage in franchise history, a .658 win percentage. The Crunch easily did away with Rochester in the first round sweeping the Americans, 3–0. However, the Crunch were swept by the eventual Calder Cup Champions, the Toronto Marlies, 4–0, in the second round. In the following season, the Crunch had their best regular season in their history, but were upset in round 1 by the Cleveland Monsters.

Groulx achieved 200 professional coaching wins on March 30, 2019 while coaching the Syracuse Crunch. The Crunch beat the Utica Comets 6–2. [4]

Groulx is the winningest coach in Syracuse Crunch history, with 221 career coaching wins with the Crunch.

During the 2021 Syracuse Crunch training camp, Groulx fractured his left elbow after falling down at practice. [5]

In 2021, Groulx interviewed for the head coach position of the Arizona Coyotes, after a vacancy was left by Rick Tocchet. [6] He would not get the job, as Arizona hired André Tourigny. [7]

On February 21, 2022, Groulx won his 200th career game with the Crunch. [8]


AwardYear
Ron Lapointe Trophy - QMJHL Coach of the Year 2003–04 [9]
AHL All-Star Game North Division Coach 2016–17, 2018–19

Personal life

Groulx's son, Benoit-Olivier, also known as "Bo" was selected 54th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. [10]

Coaching record

AHL

TeamSeasonRegular SeasonPost Season
GWLTOTL/SOLPtsFinishResult
ROC 2008–09 8029438667th, NorthMissed Playoffs
ROC 2009–10 8044333912nd, NorthLost in Round 1
SYR 2016–17 76382414901st, NorthLost in Calder Cup Finals
SYR 2017–18 76462281002nd, NorthLost in Round 2
SYR 2018–19 76472181021st, NorthLost in Round 1
SYR 2019–20 6230239695th, NorthSeason Cancelled
SYR 2020–21 3219103413rd, NorthNo playoffs were held
SYR 2021-22 7641269912nd, NorthLost in Round 1
SYR 2022–23 72352611812nd, NorthLost in Round 1

QMJHL

TeamSeasonRegular SeasonPost Season
GWLTOTLPtsFinishResult
HULL 2002–03 72392742842nd, OuestWon QMJHL
Lost Canadian Hockey League Championship
GAT 2003–04 705013701071st, OuestWon QMJHL
Lost Canadian Hockey League Championship
GAT 2004–05 70332854753rd, OuestLost in Round 2
GAT 2005–06 7040237874th, WestLost in Round 3
GAT 2006–07 7039274823rd, WestLost in Round 1
GAT 2007–08 7043198944th, WestWon QMJHL
Placed 4th in Canadian Hockey League Championship
GAT 2010–11 6843178943rd, WestLost in QMJHL Finals
GAT 2011–12 68263210624th, WestLost in Round 1
GAT 2012–13 6829345635th, WestLost in Round 2
GAT 2013–14 6841234864th, WestLost in Round 2
GAT 2014–15 6831316685th, WestLost in Round 2
GAT 2015–16 6846193953rd, WestLost in Round 2

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joël Bouchard</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Joël Bouchard is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with eight teams for parts of eleven seasons between 1994–2008. He currently serves as the head coach for the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL), the minor league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Springfield Falcons</span> Former ice hockey team in the American Hockey League

The Springfield Falcons were a former ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) and played in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the MassMutual Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Syracuse Crunch</span> American Hockey League team in Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse Crunch are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They play in Syracuse, New York, at the Upstate Medical University Arena. They are the primary development affiliate of the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halifax Mooseheads</span> Junior ice hockey team in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Halifax Mooseheads are a Canadian junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The team was founded in 1994 and began play in the Dilio Division of the QMJHL for the 1994–95 season. They have appeared in the President's Cup Finals five times, winning in 2013. The other four appearances were in 2003, 2005, 2019 and 2023. They hosted the Memorial Cup in 2000 and 2019 and won the tournament in 2013. The team plays their home games at the Scotiabank Centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gatineau Olympiques</span> Junior ice hockeyL team in Gatineau, Quebec

The Gatineau Olympiques are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in Gatineau, Quebec, that plays in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Starting with the 2021–22 season, the Olympiques play home games at Centre Slush Puppie, having previously played at the Robert Guertin Centre dating back to its beginnings in the Central Junior A Hockey League. The club, then known as the Hull Festivals, was granted membership in the QMJHL in 1973. The Olympiques have appeared in the Memorial Cup seven times, winning the 1997 Memorial Cup.

Corey Schwab is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was drafted in the 10th round, 200th overall in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. Schwab won the 2003 Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils and the 1995 Calder Cup with the Albany River Rats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Zettler</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Rob Zettler is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota North Stars, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derick Brassard</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Derick Brassard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers. The Blue Jackets selected him in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

The 2003–04 QMJHL season was the 35th season in the history of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The league continued to expand to new eastern markets, with teams relocating to Maine and Prince Edward Island. Conferences were abandoned and teams were divided into three divisions by geography. Sixteen teams played 70 games each in the schedule.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Pánik</span> Slovak ice hockey player (born 1991)

Richard Pánik is a Slovak professional ice hockey right winger for HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga (ELH). Pánik was drafted in the second round, 52nd overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Barberio</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Mark Barberio is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for Severstal Cherepovets of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Barberio was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round, 152nd overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zachary Fucale</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1995)

Zachary Fucale is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender cutrently playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected in the second round, 36th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and has previously played for the Washington Capitals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frédérik Gauthier</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1995)

Frédérik Gauthier is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract with HC Ajoie of the National League (NL). Gauthier was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, 21st overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft after spending three years with the Rimouski Océanic in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Gauthier became a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization following the 2014–15 season. During his developmental years with the Maple Leafs American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, he helped them clinch their first Calder Cup in franchise history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Utica Comets</span> American Hockey League team in Utica, New York

The Utica Comets are a professional ice hockey team based in Utica, New York, with home games at the Adirondack Bank Center. They are members of the North Division in the Eastern Conference of the American Hockey League (AHL) and affiliated with the National Hockey League's (NHL) New Jersey Devils. The team was established when the Vancouver Canucks relocated their AHL franchise to Utica for the 2013–14 season.

Julien BriseBois is a Canadian ice hockey executive. He is the general manager for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL) and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">André Tourigny</span> Canadian ice hockey coach

André Tourigny is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach who is the head coach for the Utah Hockey Club of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously served as head coach of the Arizona Coyotes and an assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louis Domingue</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1992)

Louis Boileau-Domingue is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicolas Meloche</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1997)

Nicolas Meloche is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Meloche was selected 40th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Benoit-Olivier "Bo" Groulx is a French-born Canadian professional ice hockey forward under contract to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Groulx was drafted 54th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Gilles Bouchard is a Canadian ice hockey coach with the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) He previously coached the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL for five seasons. He also served as an assistant coach with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL) for five seasons. In the 2015–16 QMJHL season, he led the Huskies to the Jean Rougeau Trophy as regular season champions, the President's Cup as playoffs champions, and reached the final in the 2016 Memorial Cup. After that season, Bouchard was awarded the Ron Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL Coach of the Year, the Maurice Filion Trophy as the QMJHL Executive of the Year, and the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award for the Canadian Hockey League.

References

  1. "Gatineau Olympiques - Hockey Staff". en.olympiquesdegatineau.ca. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  2. "QMJHL's Benoit Groulx named Canada's world junior coach | Toronto Sun".
  3. "Lightning hire Benoit Groulx to become head coach of Syracuse Crunch".
  4. @SyracuseCrunch (March 30, 2019). "Congratulations, Coach. 👊" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  5. @syrhockey (January 26, 2021). "Crunch coach Ben Groulx already on the IR. He fell down at practice Monday and fractured his left elbow" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  6. "Syracuse Crunch coach Ben Groulx interviews for Arizona job (Report)". June 14, 2021.
  7. "Coyotes Name André Tourigny as Head Coach".
  8. "Lightning Round: Syracuse Crunch head coach Benoit Groulx wins 200th game with the team". February 22, 2022.
  9. "Gatineau Olympiques - Record Book". en.olympiquesdegatineau.ca. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  10. Smith, Joe. "A 'dream come true' for Groulx family at NHL Draft". The Athletic. Retrieved November 16, 2023.