Luke Richardson's tenure as head coach in Chicago may have been short, but he said he's thankful for the time he had.
In his first public comments since being fired on Thursday, Richardson released a statement through the team in which he expressed gratitude for his time behind the Blackhawks bench.
"Being part of an Original Six team and all the history it carries with it is as true privilege. I am so proud to have worked alongside some truly great men and women in this organization," Richardson said.
Richardson, 55, had a 57-118-15 record in Chicago. The former NHL defenceman was an assistant on Montreal’s coaching staff when he was hired by the Blackhawks in June 2022.
He also thanked owner Rocky Wirtz and GM Kyle Davidson in his statement, in addition to the players and fans.
"I would like to express my thanks to all of the players for their effort, their commitment and their passion for the game. I am also grateful to the Blackhawk fans for how they welcomed my family and I to the city and the support they have for the team," Richardson wrote.
"I wish the team and their fans the best for the rest of the season."
Anders Sorensen was elevated to interim coach as Richardson's replacement. Sorensen had been coaching the team's top minor league affiliate in Rockford.
Sorensen's first game behind the bench will come Saturday when the Blackhawks host the Winnipeg Jets.
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