Blackhawks fire head coach Joel Quenneville

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Chicago Blackhawks fired head coach Joel Quenneville on Tuesday morning. He was replaced by Jeremy Colliton.

Quenneville spent 10-plus seasons with the team. He guided the team to nine playoff appearances, including five Conference Finals and three Stanley Cups.

Joel Quenneville watches his team against the Los Angeles Kings (Getty Images)

He also had a 452-249-96 record with the team. He also went 76-52 in the postseason with the franchise.

Quenneville also was the second winningest coach, who had 890 wins.

“The Chicago Blackhawks front office has made a decision to release Joel Quenneville from his head coaching duties, doing so with my full support,” Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz. “As Chicago Blackhawks fans have seen over the last decade, this organization no longer shies away from making tough decisions or ones based on emotion. Those days are long behind us. Of course, Joel’s was difficult, as it should have been. During his tenure as head coach to the Chicago Blackhawks, Joel brought the city of Chicago and our fans three Stanley Cups and an incredible era of hockey.

When Joel was originally hired into our 2008 season, we had great hope for his potential to take the team to new levels. He went beyond what anyone expected. As difficult as that decision in 2008 was, this one was tougher. But as we look to a future history not yet defined, we believe the change we made today, will provide the Chicago Blackhawks a critical element in achieving our goals of Championships in the future, including this season.

“I wish Joel and his family well and thank him for his incredible leadership and results. Nothing will ever take away the success he brought our franchise, our fans and my family. Joel will forever be etched into the most memorable era in Chicago Blackhawk hockey. And for that, we will always be connected and always eternally grateful.”