Savard stays with Hawks; accepts role as ambassador
Former Blackhawks coach and Hall of Famer Denis Savard is staying with the team.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that Savard will serve as a team ambassador, joining legends Tony Esposito, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita in representing the organization at events at the United Center and throughout the Chicagoland area.
After four games into the 2008-09 season, Savard was fired Oct. 16 as head coach and replaced by veteran coach Joel Quenneville. Savard had helped the team get within 3 points of a playoff spot last spring, but Hawks management had decided it needed a more experienced coach this season.
A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and one of seven players in franchise history to have their jersey number retired, Savard recorded 1,096 points (377 goals, 719 assists) in 881 career regular-season games and 145 points (61 goals, 84 assists) in 131 Stanley Cup Playoff games in parts of 13 seasons with the Blackhawks (1980-90; 1995-97). Savard also served as the Blackhawks Head Coach for parts of three seasons (2006-08), notching a 65-66-16 record.
"It is important to our fans and organization that Denis remains a part of our family," Hawks president John McDonough said. "He is a very classy individual that embodies the spirit of the Chicago Blackhawks."
"It means so much to me that Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough have given me this chance to continue to be a part of the Blackhawks family, something I have always wanted to do," Savard said. "I have been very fortunate to be a part of this organization, to wear these colors, for so long and this gives me the chance to continue to be a part of something I love. Today is a great day for me and my family."
The Blackhawks' first pick, third overall, in the 1980 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Savard ranks second in franchise history during the regular season in assists (719), third in points (1,096) and fourth in goals (377). He skated a total of 17 seasons in the NHL, racking up 1,338 points (473 goals, 865 assists) in 1,196 regular-season contests, which included stints with the Montreal Canadiens (1990-93) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (1993-94).