"We were honored to have Ken as our head coach and it was fitting that he finished his coaching here," said Dallas Stars Owner and Governor Tom Gaglardi. "He is a certain Hockey Hall of Fame coach and he left a lasting legacy wherever he went. He will forever be a Dallas Star and I look forward to his continued friendship."
Hired for his second stint with Dallas on April 13, 2017, he finished the 2017-18 regular season with a record of 40-32-8. In his eight total seasons with the Stars, he compiled a 319-186-80 record in 585 career regular-season games. He currently ranks first in Stars franchise history in games coached (585), wins (319) and points percentage (.614). Hitchcock also amassed a 47-33 record in 80 Stanley Cup Playoff games during his first tenure with the Stars, making five appearances in the postseason. He guided Dallas to two trips to the Stanley Cup Final and led the Stars to the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship in 1999.
[Hitchcock thanks players, organizations and fans in letter: 'I will forever be grateful']
"Ken Hitchcock is an icon when it comes to head coaches, not only in hockey, but across all of sports," stated Dallas Stars General ManagerJim Nill. "He poured his whole life into better understanding in-game concepts and strategy, inspiring players and enhancing teams. He leaves an indelible mark on the game and his influence will be felt across the sport for years to come. We want to thank Ken for all that he has given throughout his coaching career."
Hitchcock finishes his career with a record of 823-506-207 in 1,536 career regular-season games coached with Dallas, Philadelphia, Columbus and St. Louis. He stands third all-time in wins and fourth in games coached. He also compiled a playoff record of 86-82 in 168 career Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. The bench boss guided his teams to eight division titles (1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2003-04, 2011-12 and 2014-15) and two Presidents' Trophies (1997-98 and 1998-99). Hitchcock was also named the Jack Adams Award winner in 2011-12.
Always ready to represent his country, Hitchcock worked for Team Canada on several occasions at international tournaments. He was named Head Coach of Team Canada for the 2008 IIHF World Championship, leading the squad to the silver medal. Additionally, Hitchcock has served as an Associate Coach on Team Canada five times in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2014, while he helped his teams win gold at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. He was also named an assistant coach for Canada at the 2002 IIHF World Championships and at the 1987 IIHF World Junior Championships, with his teams taking home the gold medal at both.
