The Chicago Blackhawks have fired head coach Luke Richardson, the team announced on Thursday, and named Anders Sorensen as interim head coach. Sorensen, who has been with the organization since 2013, will step in immediately.
General Manager Kyle Davidson released a statement thanking Richardson for his contributions but noted that the team’s performance had not met expectations during its rebuilding process. The decision comes after the Blackhawks’ disappointing start to the season, with a record of 8-16-2, including a four-game losing streak and a 3-9-1 mark over their last 13 games. Despite offseason acquisitions like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Alec Martinez, and Craig Smith, and the return of 19-year-old star Connor Bedard, the team struggled to improve.
Richardson, who took over as head coach in June 2022, ended his tenure with a 57-118-15 record. Despite efforts to improve the team, including focusing on systems and player development, the Blackhawks have faced issues with consistent execution, including Bedard’s underperformance this season.
Sorensen, 49, has a strong background in the American Hockey League, where he coached the Rockford IceHogs to a 117-89-16-7 record over 229 games. His experience within the Blackhawks organization makes him a familiar and trusted interim choice.
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