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Ex-NHLer Gruden named OHL Hamilton head coach

Fired Coaches Reinstated Hockey

Flint Firebirds head coach John Gruden, second from left, and assistant coach Dave Karpa, right foreground, talk with their defensemen during a workout, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, in Flint, Mich. The Firebirds were back on the ice, trying to regain a sense of normalcy after the Ontario Hockey League players stood up for their fired coaches and ended up getting them reinstated. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

AP

John Gruden, the former NHL defenseman that appeared in nearly 100 games with the Bruins, Senators and Capitals, has been named the new head coach of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, the team announced on Friday.

“After an extensive search, I am pleased to announce John Gruden as the Hamilton Bulldogs’ new Head Coach,” GM Steve Staios said in a release. “It was clear to me that John’s values and goals best aligned with what our organization holds in high regard. His background, competitiveness and character are a tremendous asset for our team.”

Gruden, 45, spent last season in the tire fire that was Flint. He was the coach, you may recall, that was twice fired by embattled owner Rolf Nilsen, who has since been suspended by the OHL.

Prior to his coaching career, Gruden played in 92 big league games, and made three Stanley Cup playoff appearances with Boston in ’96.

He replaces outgoing coach George Burnett in Hamilton.