Chicago Blackhawks Fire Coach Joel Quenneville After Poor Start

On November 6, 2018, the Chicago Blackhawks made a significant change in their coaching staff by firing Joel Quenneville, just six games into the 2018-19 NHL season. Quenneville, who was the 37th coach in the franchise’s history, had previously led the team to three Stanley Cup championships, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the league.

This decision came after a series of disappointing performances that left the Blackhawks struggling in the early season. Quenneville’s tenure, which began in 2008, included a remarkable run that saw the team capture the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. However, his time with the Blackhawks came to an abrupt end amidst questions regarding the team’s direction and performance.

In recent developments, Quenneville’s career faced further scrutiny when he resigned as coach of the Florida Panthers in March 2021. His resignation followed the revelation that he was implicated in a scandal involving a player who alleged sexual assault by another coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Following this controversy, Quenneville accepted a position as the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks.

Significant Historical Events on November 6

The firing of Quenneville is among several notable events that have occurred on November 6 throughout history in Chicago. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th president of the United States, marking a pivotal moment in American history. His election was celebrated by supporters who gathered at his home in Springfield.

Fast forward to 1923, when Mary Bartelme made history by becoming Chicago’s first female judge, a groundbreaking achievement for women in the legal profession. The Chicago Tribune reported that this marked the first time Illinois elected a woman to such a high jurisdiction.

In more recent history, in 2012, Democratic candidate Tammy Duckworth won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Republican Joe Walsh. Duckworth would later be elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, continuing her advocacy for veterans and women’s rights.

Coaching Changes in Chicago Sports

The Blackhawks are not the only Chicago sports team to make notable coaching changes. On November 6, 2021, the Blackhawks also parted ways with coach Jeremy Colliton after a lackluster start to his fourth season. Colliton’s record as head coach ended with an overall performance of 87 wins, 92 losses, and 26 overtime losses, resulting in a points percentage of .488.

Most recently, in 2023, the Chicago Cubs announced they would part ways with manager David Ross, bringing in former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell instead. Under Ross’s guidance, the Cubs had a record of 262 wins and 284 losses, a .480 winning percentage, marking an end to his managerial tenure in Chicago.

These coaching changes reflect the high expectations for success in Chicago’s sports culture, where teams strive for championships and fan loyalty is paramount.

As the Blackhawks move forward, the legacy of Joel Quenneville remains a complex chapter in the franchise’s history, marked by both triumph and controversy. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this new chapter in its storied legacy.