The Chicago Blackhawks have relieved Luke Richardson of his duties as head coach, and Anders Sorensen has been named the team’s interim head coach. General Manager Kyle Davidson made the announcement today, citing a desire for higher execution during the season as the reason for the change.
Richardson, who spent three seasons with the Blackhawks, thanked the organization for the opportunity to lead the team. “We thank him for his efforts and contributions to the organization and our community,” Davidson said.
Sorensen, 49, has extensive experience in coaching at the AHL level, having spent six seasons as head coach of the Rockford IceHogs. He also had stints as a development coach and assistant coach within the Blackhawks organization. Sorensen was promoted to associate coach before taking over as interim head coach last season and guided the team to its first Calder Cup Playoffs berth in three years.
The Blackhawks will now begin their search for the next head coach, with Mark Eaton assuming interim coaching duties in Rockford. Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz expressed support for General Manager Davidson’s decision, stating that he has confidence in Davidson and the rest of the Hockey Operations team to find the right candidate.
Source: https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/release-blackhawks-announce-coaching-changes