Chicago Blackhawks Dismiss Coach Joel Quenneville After Tough Start

On November 6, 2018, the Chicago Blackhawks made a significant decision by firing head coach Joel Quenneville just six games into the 2018-19 NHL season. This move ended Quenneville’s tenure as the 37th coach in the franchise’s history, a position he had held since 2008. Under his leadership, the Blackhawks enjoyed remarkable success, winning three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

Quenneville’s exit marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the team. The firing came amid a disappointing start to the season, with the Blackhawks struggling to find their rhythm on the ice. Following his departure, Quenneville went on to coach the Florida Panthers but resigned in 2021 after being implicated in a scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct within the organization during the 2010 playoffs. He is currently the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks.

Historic Events in Chicago History

The date of November 6 holds historical significance beyond the Blackhawks’ coaching change. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th president of the United States. This pivotal election took place during a time of great national division, setting the stage for the Civil War.

Fast forward to 1923, when Mary Bartelme made history by becoming Chicago’s first female judge and the first woman to serve as a judge in Illinois. Her election was a groundbreaking moment, and the Chicago Tribune noted it as a significant milestone in the state’s judicial history. Bartelme continued to influence the community until her retirement in 1933, later moving to California where she passed away in 1954.

In 2012, Tammy Duckworth won her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Republican Joe Walsh. Duckworth’s victory was a key moment in her political career, which later led her to the U.S. Senate in 2016.

Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics

The Blackhawks’ decision to part ways with Quenneville was not an isolated incident. In 2021, the team also dismissed Jeremy Colliton after a lackluster start to his fourth season. Colliton’s time with the Blackhawks concluded with a record of 87 wins, 92 losses, and 26 overtime losses over 205 games, reflecting a .488 points percentage.

More recently, in 2023, the Chicago Cubs announced a significant coaching change, bringing in former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell to replace David Ross. This decision followed Ross’s tenure, which concluded with a record of 262 wins and 284 losses, a .480 winning percentage.

As the Blackhawks and Cubs navigate these transitions, the impact of coaching on team performance remains a topic of great interest among fans and analysts alike. The decisions made in these critical moments will shape the future of both franchises.

For those interested in learning more about Chicago’s rich history, the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter offers insights into historical events and figures. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts or suggest notable events that may have been overlooked.