Binghamton Black Bears Hired John Quenneville as Coach
The former NHL draft pick will join the team as an associate coach for the upcoming season.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Hockey
The Binghamton Black Bears have announced the hiring of John Quenneville as the team's new associate coach. Quenneville brings extensive professional playing experience to the staff ahead of the upcoming season.
Why it matters
This appointment adds significant professional depth to the coaching staff by integrating a former NHL talent who understands the requirements of the higher levels of hockey.
Quenneville was selected 30th overall in the 2014 draft and logged eight total seasons of professional experience. His tenure included time in the AHL, nine games with the Chicago Blackhawks, and four seasons abroad in Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The players
John Quenneville
A former professional hockey player, he was a first-round draft pick who played in the NHL and across three European countries.
Binghamton Black Bears
This professional hockey organization is based in Binghamton, New York.
The details
Quenneville enters the role after a professional playing career that spanned both North American minor leagues and top-tier European divisions. He will provide tactical support for the Black Bears as the organization prepares for its new competitive cycle.
Timeline
John Quenneville was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2014.
Quenneville debuted in the NHL during the 2016-17 season.
The trade to the Chicago Blackhawks occurred in the summer of 2019.
The hiring of John Quenneville was announced on September 22, 2026.
The Black Bears season begins on October 10, 2026, against the Watertown Wolves.
Season Trajectory
The hiring follows the pattern of players drafted in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft transitioning into coaching roles after their professional playing careers conclude. Adding veteran experience to the bench is designed to improve the team's standing as they navigate the current competitive landscape.
Fans will see how the new coaching dynamics translate to the ice during the season opener against the Watertown Wolves. The addition of an associate coach with NHL-level experience is expected to impact the team's tactical preparation and player development throughout the season.
The takeaway
Bringing in coaches with experience in varied professional leagues can provide teams with a broader tactical perspective. Fans and analysts will watch how this transition from the ice to the bench influences the team's performance throughout the season.
What happens next
The Black Bears open their season against the Watertown Wolves at 7 p.m. on October 10, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current state of local professional play, visit our Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WIVT/WBGH NewsChannel 34.
