"After an exhaustive search, we are pleased to welcome Bob as the new head coach of the Panthers," said Tallon. "He sees the game in a modern way and is eager to work with our young players. During the interview process, Bob blew us away with his preparation, his passion, knowledge and dedication to the game. We believe that he is the right leader to get our team back to competing towards our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."
Boughner, 46, has served as an assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks for the previous two seasons (2015-17) and has helped the Sharks advance to the postseason twice and the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. He began his NHL coaching career as an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010-11.
The native of Windsor, Ontario, served as head coach of his hometown Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League for eight seasons (2006-10, 2011-15) winning two consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cups and two consecutive Memorial Cups (2009, 2010). Boughner was named the OHL and the Canadian Hockey League's Coach of the Year in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
In 2006, Boughner headed an ownership group to purchase the Spitfires and serves as the organization's President. Under Boughner's leadership, the Spitfires have won three Memorial Cups (2009, 2010, 2017) and have developed NHL players such as Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators), Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks) and Taylor Hall (New Jersey Devils).
A defenseman in the NHL for 10 seasons (1996-06), Boughner appeared in 630 NHL games for the Buffalo Sabres (1995-98), Nashville Predators (1998-00), Pittsburgh Penguins (2000-01), Calgary Flames (2001-03), Carolina Hurricanes (2003-04) and Colorado Avalanche (2004-06). Boughner originally was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (32nd overall) of the 1989 NHL Draft.
On July 25, 1994, Boughner signed with the Panthers and played for two seasons for their minor league affiliates, the Cincinnati Cyclones of the International Hockey League (1994-95) and the Carolina Monarchs (1995-96) of the American Hockey League.
Boughner and his wife, Jenn, have four children: Brady, Molly, Emma and Lola.
Boughner will be introduced to the media at a media press conference on Monday at 2:00 P.M., in the Chairman's Club at BB&T Center.
Fans will have the opportunity to learn more about Florida's new head coach at the Panthers Summer Summit on June 29. Click HERE for more information.
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