3-Time Stanley Cup Champion Pat Maroon Makes Surprising Career Move in Hockey
Photo credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Patrick Maroon announced his retirement from the NHL recently, but it didn't take long for him to return, as he was announced as a coach for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.
Leaving behind a very solid career in the NHL, Patrick Maroon decided he had enough of the rigors of the league and announced his retirement earlier this season.
Pat Maroon Brings Championship Experience to the Muskegon Lumberjacks Bench
But it didn't take him long to get back into the game, as it was announced that the three-time Stanley Cup winner is going to head into his first coaching gig, that being with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.
The club put out a statement regarding the hiring of Maroon:
We are excited to add Pat to our coaching staff. As a program, we are always self-evaluating on how we get better. When this opportunity was presented to us, it was hard to turn down.
Adding someone like Pat, who has three Stanley Cup rings, is something that doesn't come along very often. Pat will be a great mentor for our players, coaching staff, and everyone at the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Adding someone like Pat, who has three Stanley Cup rings, is something that doesn't come along very often. Pat will be a great mentor for our players, coaching staff, and everyone at the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Not only was team president Steve Lowe excited, but so was head coach Colten St. Clair:
Bringing Pat Maroon into our organization is a game-changing move for the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
His championship pedigree, leadership presence, and relentless compete level are exactly what we want our players to emulate. Pat knows what it takes to win, and his influence will elevate our locker room, our culture, and our pursuit of excellence.
His championship pedigree, leadership presence, and relentless compete level are exactly what we want our players to emulate. Pat knows what it takes to win, and his influence will elevate our locker room, our culture, and our pursuit of excellence.
But the signing also has a bit more meaning to it as well.
His Winning Mentality Could Shape the Next Generation of Players
Maroon's son Anthony was acquired by the team in May, so adding him to the bench almost seems like an inevitability in hindsight.
But not only is going to pass the torch to his son, but also bring in the knowledge and wisdom that comes with not only winning three Cups, but lasting 14 years in the NHL.
Wherever he goes he seems to excel, and while he'll never be the flashiest player on the ice, he gave 110% each night, put his body on the line and became one of the most reliable and dependable players you could have.
In 848 career games, Maroon had 323 points (126 goals, 197 assists) while adding 1,087 PIM, 1,509 hits, and was a career plus-6.
The combination of hockey IQ, determination and the familial bond is going to ensure that Patrick Maroon succeeds in his first round as a coach.
Who knows? This could lead to something even bigger in the future.
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