The Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to terms on a new contract with Syracuse Crunch head coach Benoit Groulx.
Groulx, 53, has served as Crunch head coach since the 2016-17 season. He has guided Syracuse to two 100-plus point seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and posted the best record in franchise history during those consecutive seasons. The Crunch also recorded a franchise-high 47 wins during the 2018-19 campaign, finishing second overall in the American Hockey League standings.
In five seasons, Groulx has led the Crunch to a 179-100-21-21 record in 321 games and has had a winning season in each of his campaigns. His .623 points percentage is second in franchise history, behind only Jon Cooper (.662).
“We are excited to agree to a new contract and have Ben Groulx return as head coach of the Syracuse Crunch,†said Crunch general manager Stacy Roest. “Over the past five seasons, Ben has proven to be a key part of our organization. His leadership and structure have played an important role in developing our prospects, consistently producing a competitive Syracuse Crunch team and contributing to the success of the Tampa Bay Lightning. We look forward to continued growth with Ben behind the bench.â€
Under Groulx, the Crunch reached the Calder Cup Finals in 2017 and won division titles in 2017 and 2019. Since 2016-17, 28 players have earned a call-up from the Crunch and played for the Lightning, including 18 making their NHL debuts. Due to his success, Groulx was selected to represent the Crunch in two AHL All-Star Classics in 2017 and 2019.
