Joe Sacco (ice hockey)

Last updated

Joe Sacco
Born (1969-02-04) February 4, 1969 (age 55)
Medford, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position Right wing
Shot Left
Played for Toronto Maple Leafs
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
New York Islanders
Washington Capitals
Philadelphia Flyers
Current NHL coach Boston Bruins (interim)
Coached for Colorado Avalanche
National teamFlag of the United States.svg  United States
NHL draft 71st overall, 1987
Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career 1990–2003
Coaching career 2005–present
Medal record
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 1996 Vienna

Joseph William Sacco (born February 4, 1969) is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the interim head coach for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). His younger brother David Sacco also played in the NHL.

Contents

Playing career

As a youth, Sacco played in the 1982 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Boston Braves minor ice hockey team. [1] He played ice hockey for Medford High School in Massachusetts. [2]

Drafted in the 1987 NHL entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sacco played for Boston University before joining the Maple Leafs. Sacco also played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers. In 738 NHL games, he recorded 94 goals and 119 assists. [3]

International play

Sacco represented the United States national team in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996 and 2002 World Championships. He also played in the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Coaching career

In the 2005–06 season, two years into retirement from playing, Sacco was hired as an assistant coach for the Lowell Lock Monsters, affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. On May 7, 2007, after two years as an assistant, Sacco was named head coach of the Colorado Avalanche's new AHL franchise, the Lake Erie Monsters. [4] Sacco then led the Monsters for the next two seasons and while recording somewhat unimpressive season's numbers with limited resources was credited with helping development of younger players to the NHL. [5]

On June 4, 2009, a day after Avalanche head coach Tony Granato was fired, Sacco was promoted and later introduced as the new head coach of the Colorado Avalanche for the 2009–10 season, a job former Avs great Patrick Roy turned down days prior. [6] After being projected finishing 15th in the Western Conference by most ice hockey pundits, Sacco coached the Avalanche to the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs posting a record of 43–30–9 in his rookie year of coaching in the NHL. [3] His team was eliminated in the conference quarterfinals after six games by the San Jose Sharks. On April 28, 2010, Sacco was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award alongside Dave Tippett of the Phoenix Coyotes and Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators. [7] Following the 2012–13 season, his fourth year at the helm, finishing last in the Western Conference and out of the playoffs for a third consecutive year, Sacco was relieved of his duties on April 28, 2013, [8] ending his eight-year association with the Avalanche. [9]

On July 2, 2013, the Buffalo Sabres hired Sacco as an assistant coach. [10]

On July 24, 2014, the Boston Bruins hired Sacco as an assistant coach. [7] In July 2024, he was promoted to associate coach. [2] On November 19, 2024, the Bruins named Sacco as interim head coach after Jim Montgomery's firing. [11]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
1985–86 Medford High School HS-MA 20303060——————
1986–87Medford High SchoolHS-MA21223254——————
1987–88 Boston University HE 3414223638—————
1988–89 Boston UniversityHE3321194066—————
1989–90 Boston UniversityHE4428245270—————
1990–91 Newmarket Saints AHL 4918173524—————
1990–91 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 200552—————
1991–92 United States National Team Intl5011263761—————
1991–92 Toronto Maple LeafsNHL1774114—————
1991–92 St. John's Maple Leafs AHL—————11120
1992–93 St. John's Maple LeafsAHL3714163045764102
1992–93 Toronto Maple LeafsNHL234488—————
1993–94 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim NHL8419183761—————
1994–95 Mighty Ducks of AnaheimNHL411081823—————
1995–96 Mighty Ducks of AnaheimNHL7613142740—————
1996–97 Mighty Ducks of AnaheimNHL7712172935112022
1997–98 Mighty Ducks of AnaheimNHL558111924—————
1997–98 New York Islanders NHL2533610—————
1998–99 New York IslandersNHL7330345—————
1999–2000 Washington Capitals NHL79716235050004
2000–01 Washington CapitalsNHL6977144860002
2001–02 Washington CapitalsNHL6507751—————
2002–03 Philadelphia Phantoms AHL64374—————
2002–03 Philadelphia Flyers NHL341562040000
NHL totals73894119213421262028

International

YearTeamEventGPGAPtsPIM
1989 United States WJC 73142
1990 United States WC 101122
1991 United StatesWC101016
1992 United States OG 80220
1992 United StatesWC61014
1994 United StatesWC801114
1996 United StatesWC82462
2002 United StatesWC72132
Junior totals73142
Senior totals57791630

Head coaching record

NHL

TeamYear Regular season Postseason
GWLOTLPtsFinishWLWin %Result
COL 2009–10 8243309952nd in Northwest 24.333Lost in conference quarterfinals (SJS)
COL 2010–11 8230448684th in Northwest———Missed playoffs
COL 2011–12 8241356883rd in Northwest———Missed playoffs
COL 2012–13 4816257395th in Northwest———Missed playoffs
NHL total29413013430  24.3331 playoff appearance

AHL

TeamYear Regular season Postseason
GWLOTLSOLPtsFinishWLWin %Result
LEM 2007–08 80264167656th in North———Missed playoffs
LEM 2008–09 80343835766th in North———Missed playoffs
AHL total1606079 !912  ——— 

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colorado Avalanche</span> National Hockey League team in Denver, Colorado

The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Ball Arena, which it shares with the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets and Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Roy</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1965)

Patrick Jacques Roy is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach, executive and former player who is the head coach for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Roy previously served as head coach for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, as well as the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history and was hailed in sports media as "king of goaltenders".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Tanguay</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1979)

Alex Joseph Jean Tanguay is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes in the National Hockey League (NHL) and briefly for HC Lugano in the Swiss National League A in 2004. An offensive player, he is best known for his passing and playmaking ability. Tanguay currently serves as an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Grahame</span> American ice hockey player

John Gillies Mark Grahame is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.

Steven Reed Konowalchuk is an American former professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and the Colorado Avalanche. Most recently he was the head coach of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels. Konowalchuk is the first player born and raised in Utah to make it to the NHL level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Rolston</span> American ice hockey player (born 1973)

Brian Lee Rolston is an American former professional ice hockey player who most recently played for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995, and the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 playing for the United States. Rolston has represented the U.S. three times in Olympic competition for ice hockey. In the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, he won the silver medal. Rolston was born in Flint, Michigan, but grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has served as head coach of the Little Caesars 2001 hockey club as well as assisting with the Little Caesars 2005 team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sylvain Lefebvre</span> Canadian former ice hockey defenceman (born 1967)

Sylvain Jean Lefebvre is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who currently serves as an assistant coach for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Originally undrafted by teams in the NHL, he played for five franchises between 1989—2003, and won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John-Michael Liles</span> American ice hockey player (born 1980)

John-Michael Liles is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. In addition to his playing career, Liles is a minority owner of the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter McNab</span> Canadian-born American ice hockey player (1952–2022)

Peter Maxwell McNab was a Canadian-born American professional ice hockey player. He played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1973 to 1987, with the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils. He later served as the color commentator for the Colorado Avalanche from their inaugural 1995–96 season until his death.

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

Benjamin Pierre Guité is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional forward. Guité played 13 seasons of professional hockey, most notably in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and the Nashville Predators. He is the son of former World Hockey Association player Pierre Guité.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Hunwick</span> American ice hockey player (born 1985)

Matthew John Hunwick is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres. Hunwick was born in Warren, Michigan, but grew up in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Matt is the older brother of Shawn Hunwick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Shattenkirk</span> American ice hockey player (born 1989)

Kevin Michael Shattenkirk is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks. He was drafted in the first round, 14th overall, at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Avalanche and made his NHL debut with them in 2010. Shattenkirk won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Lightning in 2020.

David Quinn is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He is an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and the head coach for the United States men's national team. He was previously the head coach of the New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL); assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL; and head coach at Boston University. He was formally inducted into the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cody McLeod</span> Canadian ice hockey winger (born 1984)

Wesley Cody McLeod is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who is the assistant director of player development coach for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). As an undrafted player, McLeod played for the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers. He was best known for his role similar to that of an enforcer.

The 2009–10 Colorado Avalanche season was the franchise's 38th season, 31st in the National Hockey League (NHL) and 15th as the Colorado Avalanche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Carey (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player (born 1988)

Paul Charles Carey is an American coach and former professional ice hockey center who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). After being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Carey also played for the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Djurgårdens IF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Bordeleau</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1986)

Patrick Bordeleau is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for the Jonquiere Marquis in the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey (LNAH). He previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Colorado Avalanche.

Tim Army is an American former professional ice hockey player. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. Army was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 9th round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Wagner</span> American ice hockey player (born 1991)

Christopher Wagner is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Wagner was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

References

  1. ↑ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Ryan, Conor (November 20, 2024). "Five things to know about interim Bruins head coach Joe Sacco" . The Boston Globe . Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  3. 1 2 "Medford's Joe Sacco begins next phase of NHL career as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche". medford.wickedlocal.com. October 7, 2009. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  4. ↑ Adrian Dater (June 5, 2009). "Spotlight turns to new Avs coach Sacco". Denver Post. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  5. ↑ Adrian Dater (June 5, 2009). "Former players praise Avs' choice for coach". Denver Post. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  6. ↑ Adrian Dater (June 4, 2009). "Avs hire Sacco as head coach". Denver Post. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  7. 1 2 "Joe Sacco Hired As Bruins Assistant Coach". July 24, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Sacco fired as coach of Colorado Avalanche after four NHL seasons". Denver Post . April 28, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Avalanche fire head coach Sacco, after last place finish". ESPN.com . ESPN. April 28, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Joe Sacco, ex-Avalanche hired By Buffalo Sabres as assistant". Denver Post . July 2, 2013. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  11. ↑ Benjamin, Amalie (November 19, 2024). "Montgomery fired as Bruins coach, replaced by Sacco". NHL.com. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
Sporting positions
Preceded by Head coach of the Colorado Avalanche
2009–2013 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Head coach of the Boston Bruins
(interim)
2024–present		Incumbent
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.