Claude Julien

Claude Julien is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenseman and coach, born in Blind River, Ontario.

Claude Julien is a Canadian former professional Hockey defenseman and coach. He was born in Blind River, Ontario, and played 14 NHL games for the Quebec Nordiques. He later became a long-time coach in junior Hockey, the NHL, and international competition, winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.

Early life and playing career

Claude Julien was born in Blind River, Ontario, on April 23, 1960. As a player, he was a defenseman who reached the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques, appearing in 14 games before spending most of his playing career in the minor leagues.

Coaching career

Julien moved into coaching after his playing career and built his reputation in junior hockey and the NHL. He coached the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Boston Bruins, and later returned for a second stint with Montreal.

Championships and awards

Julien won the Memorial Cup with the Hull Olympiques in junior hockey and later captured the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He also received the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year for the 2008–09 season.

International coaching

Julien has held roles with Team Canada in major international tournaments. He was an assistant coach on the gold-medal-winning team at the 2014 Winter Olympics and was named head coach for Canada at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Later career

After leaving the Canadiens in 2021, Julien was named Canada's coach for the 2022 Olympics and later worked in the St. Louis Blues organization. In 2024, he returned to the NHL bench as an assistant coach with St. Louis.