Peter DeBoer has been named head coach of the Dallas Stars.
DeBoer becomes the 25th head coach in franchise history and the 10th coach since the team moved to Dallas.
“Pete brings a wealth of experience to our dressing room, and we’re thrilled to name him our next head coach,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “Every team that he has taken over has not only shown immediate improvement but has been ultra-competitive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has taken five teams to the Conference Finals, and two of those to the Stanley Cup Final, in his 14 years as a head coach. His resume displays the high standards he sets and his ability to get his team to play up to that level consistently. We’re excited to welcome Pete and his family to Dallas.”
DeBoer was relieved of his duties by the Vegas Golden Knights on May 16 after they missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. DeBoer coached the Golden Knights for two-and-a-half years, posting a 98-50-12 record. He has previously been the head coach in San Jose, New Jersey and Florida.
“Over the last few seasons, I have seen firsthand what the Stars are building with a mix of dynamic young players and established leaders,” DeBoer said. “The chance to become this team’s next head coach was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I would like to thank Tom Gaglardi and Jim Nill for the chance to help guide this team as we work together to bring another Stanley Cup to Dallas.”
DeBoer’s Golden Knights lost to the Stars in the 2020 Conference Finals.
The Stars’ coaching position has been vacant since they exited the first round of the playoffs. Rick Bowness stepped down from the role following Dallas’ elimination at the hands of the Calgary Flames in seven games.
DeBoer has twice lost in the Stanley Cup Final — with New Jersey in 2012 and San Jose in 2016.
The native of Dunnville, Ont., also won a Memorial Cup with the Kitchener Rangers in 2003.