Anders Sörensen has etched his name into NHL history, becoming the first European-born head coach in the league since the 2001-02 season when Czech legend Ivan Hlinka was dismissed by Pittsburgh. This appointment marks a significant milestone, especially considering the years of speculation surrounding which Swedish coach would break this barrier. Names like Ulf Samuelsson, Rickard Grönborg, Tommy Albelin, and Ulf Dahlén were often mentioned as potential candidates, adding to the weight of Sörensen’s achievement. He himself expressed surprise and humility, acknowledging the impressive lineage of Swedish coaches who came before him.
Sörensen’s ascension to the NHL began with the Chicago Blackhawks’ decision to part ways with Luke Richardson after a disappointing start to the season. Initially, his promotion from head coach of the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, was intended to be temporary, providing an opportunity to assess his performance at the highest level. However, the possibility remains open for the appointment to become permanent should he demonstrate success. Sörensen, now in his eleventh season with the Chicago organization, has steadily climbed the ranks, starting as a player development coach, progressing to assistant coach in Rockford, and ultimately securing the head coaching role there. He approaches this new challenge with a focused mindset, taking each day as it comes, and letting his work speak for itself.
The transition to the NHL presented immediate challenges, with Sörensen’s debut resulting in a loss against Winnipeg. However, he swiftly rebounded, securing his first NHL victory in only his second game, against the New York Rangers. The win brought a palpable sense of relief and joy, not just for himself but for the entire team. The outpouring of congratulations that followed underscored the significance of the moment, solidifying it as a powerful and memorable experience. Among the well-wishers was legendary coach Scotty Bowman, who has become a mentor to Sörensen. Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history, offered a humorous congratulatory message, highlighting the vast gap in victories between them, a testament to Bowman’s remarkable career.
Sörensen has taken the helm of a team in transition, a roster brimming with young talent, most notably Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He has been deeply impressed by Bedard’s humility and focus, recognizing the dual imperative of nurturing young talent while striving for victories. This rebuilding phase presents a unique opportunity for Sörensen to mold the team according to his vision, integrating emerging stars like Bedard into a competitive unit. The combination of seasoned veterans and promising rookies creates a dynamic environment where experience and youthful exuberance can potentially converge to produce positive results.
Sörensen’s own playing career was cut short at the age of 25 due to concussion issues. He had played 12 games for Södertälje SK in the Swedish Division 1 between 1994 and 1996, before moving to North America. He was playing in the ECHL, the AHL’s feeder league, when his playing days were forced to an end. This premature conclusion, though undoubtedly disappointing, paved the way for his coaching career. He returned to Sweden and started his coaching journey as an assistant with Södertälje, his former club, from 2011 to 2013 and then as interim head coach in the 2013-14 season. This experience provided valuable groundwork for his future endeavors, shaping his coaching philosophy and preparing him for the rigors of professional hockey.
The journey from a player whose career was curtailed by injury to an NHL head coach is a testament to Sörensen’s resilience, adaptability, and passion for the game. His appointment represents a significant step forward for European coaches in the NHL, a league historically dominated by North American leadership. The unexpected opportunity, born from the team’s early struggles, has placed Sörensen in a position to define his own legacy. His success, however temporary or permanent his tenure may be, will undoubtedly inspire aspiring coaches from Europe and beyond, demonstrating that geographical boundaries are no barrier to achieving the highest echelons of the coaching profession. The story of Anders Sörensen is a story of perseverance, a story of seizing opportunities, and a story that has just begun to unfold.
