DALLAS (dpa) - The Dallas Stars have successfully appointed minor-league coach Glen Gulutzan as their new head coach, replacing the NHL team on Friday. Gulutzan, 39, takes over from Marc Crawford, who was dismissed after the Stars missed the playoffs, finishing last in the Pacific Division with a record of 42-29-11.
"Glen is a young, exciting coach," said Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk in a statement. "We believe he has a bright and long future in the National Hockey League." Nieuwendyk added: "We are excited about the developmental expertise and leadership he brought to our young players at the American League level."
Gulutzan directed Dallas' AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, to a combined record of 87-56-17 over the past two seasons. The team made it to the 2010 Calder Cup Final and had another playoff appearance this spring. Nine of his players made appearances with the Dallas Stars last year.
The Canadian will become the 21st head coach in the franchise's series each year and the fifth since the Minnesota North Stars moved to North Texas in 1993. (Reporting by Gene Kirsche in Raleigh, edited by Julian Linden) SPORT.