"Mike has a proven history of success as a goaltending coach with the Penguins, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups," said Francis. "Based on our research, we are confident that he is someone our goalies and coaching staff will enjoy working with, and we're thrilled to have him in our organization."
Bales, 45, has served as goaltending coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the past four seasons. Under his tutelage, Pittsburgh goaltenders combined for a 2.19 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and five shutouts during the Penguins' run to their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship in 2017. Prior to being promoted to goaltending coach, Bales served as the Penguins' goaltending development coach and scout from 2011-13, helping to scout, draft and develop Matt Murray, who posted 15 wins as a rookie during Pittsburgh's 2016 Stanley Cup run. A Penguins netminder has posted at least 30 wins during the regular season in each of Bales' four seasons as goaltending coach, with Marc-Andre Fleury earning Team MVP honors and a spot in the NHL All-Star Game in 2014-15, posting 34 wins and a franchise-record 10 shutouts.
A native of Prince Albert, Sask., Bales played professionally as a goaltender for 15 seasons before beginning his coaching career, appearing in 23 NHL games with Boston and Ottawa. He also spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL), International Hockey League (IHL) and European leagues in Germany, Sweden and Northern Ireland. Prior to turning professional, he played three seasons of collegiate hockey for Ohio State.
