Peter Laviolette and family already rocking the red originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
When the Capitals announced on Tuesday morning that they would hire head coach Peter Laviolette to take over for the recently fired Todd Reirden, Laviolette and his family were quick to show their Capitals pride.
The team's official account shared a photo from his family's lake house in New Hampshire with a Capitals flag flying high. The photo came just hours after he was selected for the job and showed he is ready to rock the red this next season.
Laviolette expressed his excitement for joining the Capitals franchise in a statement released through the team.
“I’m thankful and excited for the opportunity to lead this hockey club," he said. "This is a winning organization with high expectations. I look forward to coaching this tremendous group of players and bringing my experience and vision to the team.”
In the hours since the official announcement, the Capitals and their leadership have welcomed Laviolette with open arms and shared their excitement for the future over social media as well.
Shortly after the announcement, the team shared an infographic on Twitter with the highlights of Laviolette’s career, including his 637 wins, three Stanley Cup Final appearances and one Stanley Cup championship, to get fans excited for the team’s future ahead.
Capitals owner Ted Leonsis tweeted his response to the hiring and praised his front office for their effort in finding Reirden’s replacement.
“Proven winner to DC,” Leonsis wrote. “Warm embrace and welcome from all to new Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette. Very impressed with how efficient our GM conducted his search.”
Capitals GM Brian MacLellan explained the decision and welcomed his new coach through the team’s Twitter as well.
MacLellan wrote: “Peter is a successful NHL head coach who has won a Stanley Cup and brings a wealth of experience to our team. We feel he is a great communicator who will motivate our players to play with passion, structure and discipline, while helping our young player reach their potential. In addition, he is a high-character individual who is highly respected for his coaching pedigree, all of which make him the ideal person to lead our team to compete for the Stanley Cup.”
We still aren't sure when the next NHL season will begin. The current one still isn't over yet with the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Final and waiting on the Tampa Bay Lightning or New York Islanders to join them. Laviolette has some time here to prepare for his move to Washington. Caps fans hope he is as successful as the last coach they brought in from Nashville. That would mean a second Stanley Cup.
