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Bruce Cassidy

Bruce James Cassidy is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and current coach in the National Hockey League.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bruce James Cassidy is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and current head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, he was drafted 18th overall by the Chicago Black Hawks in 1983 and later became known for his NHL coaching career, including roles with the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Vegas Golden Knights. He won the Stanley Cup as head coach of the Golden Knights in 2023.

Early life and playing career

Cassidy was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and was drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks in 1983. Injuries limited his NHL playing career, and he spent time in the minor leagues and in Europe before retiring as a player in 1996.

Coaching career

After retiring, Cassidy began coaching in the minor leagues before reaching the NHL. He served as head coach of the Washington Capitals, later worked with the Boston Bruins organization, and became head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022.

Achievements

Cassidy's coaching résumé includes taking the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019 and winning the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023. He also received the Jack Adams Award for NHL coach of the year in 2023.

Career in the NHL

Cassidy is recognized as a long-tenured NHL coach whose teams have generally been structured and defensively oriented. His career spans both playing and coaching roles across several leagues and organizations.

Key facts

  • Cassidy played as a defenceman before moving into coaching.
  • He coached the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Vegas Golden Knights.
  • He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in 2023.
  • He was born in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • He won the Jack Adams Award for NHL coach of the year in 2023.
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Canadian context

Cassidy is Canadian, born in Ottawa, Ontario, and is one of the more prominent Canadian-born NHL coaches of his generation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bruce Cassidy?
Bruce Cassidy is a Canadian former defenceman and NHL head coach, best known for leading the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in 2023.
When was Bruce Cassidy born?
He was born on May 20, 1965, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
What position did Bruce Cassidy play?
He played defence and shot left-handed.
Which NHL team drafted Bruce Cassidy?
The Chicago Black Hawks selected him 18th overall in the 1983 NHL Draft.
Which teams has Bruce Cassidy coached in the NHL?
He has coached the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Vegas Golden Knights.
Did Bruce Cassidy win the Stanley Cup?
Yes. He won the Stanley Cup as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.

References

  1. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/player/bruce-cassidy-8446018
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, shooting side, and draft position.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/get-to-know-bruce-cassidy-334607666
    Supports: Golden Knights head coaching appointment and coaching background.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Cassidy
    Supports: Playing career, coaching career timeline, and retirement details.
  4. Boston.com — https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-bruins/2026/03/29/bruce-cassidy-boston-bruins-fired-vegas-golden-knights-nhl-hockey-john-tortorella/
    Supports: Cassidy's dismissal by Vegas in 2026 and Golden Knights coaching context.
  5. The Hockey Writers — https://www.thehockeywriters.com/docs/bruce-cassidy/
    Supports: Overview of playing and coaching career, including teams coached.