History of Bruce Cassidy in Timeline

Bruce Cassidy, nicknamed "Butch", is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1983, Cassidy transitioned to coaching after his playing career. He is currently the head coach for the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. His most significant coaching achievement to date is winning the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 20, 1965: Bruce Cassidy Born

On May 20, 1965, Bruce James Cassidy, nicknamed "Butch", was born. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player.

Others born on this day/year

1983: Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks

In 1983, Bruce Cassidy was selected in the first round, 18th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL entry draft.

1983: Best OHL Season

In the 1982-83 OHL season, Bruce Cassidy registered 25 goals and 86 assists for 111 points.

March 1984: NHL Debut

In March 1984, at age 19, Bruce Cassidy made his NHL debut with the Chicago Black Hawks.

1984: Memorial Cup Win

In 1984, Bruce Cassidy won the Memorial Cup under coach Brian Kilrea, scoring 12 points.

1985: Played in the OHL

Bruce Cassidy played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Ottawa 67's in 1985.

1985: Minor League Hockey

In 1985, Bruce Cassidy began spending most of his time in the Black Hawks' minor league system, playing with the Nova Scotia Oilers of the AHL.

1988: Knee Surgeries

From 1984 to 1988, Bruce Cassidy had three knee surgeries, including major reconstruction of his ACL.

1990: Signed with Alleghe HC

After winning the Turner Cup in the IHL, in 1990 Bruce Cassidy signed with Alleghe HC in Italy.

1990: Minor League Hockey

By 1990, Bruce Cassidy had spent most of his time in the Black Hawks' minor league system, playing with the Saginaw Generals of the IHL, the Saginaw Hawks of the IHL and the Indianapolis Ice, also in the IHL.

1992: Played with Alleghe HC

In 1992, Bruce Cassidy continued playing with Alleghe HC in Italy.

1993: Played with Alleghe HC

In 1993, Bruce Cassidy finished his time playing with Alleghe HC in Italy.

1993: Played for ESV Kaufbeuren

In 1993, Bruce Cassidy spent the 1993-94 season with ESV Kaufbeuren of the German Hockey League, earning 17 points.

1994: Returned to Blackhawks organization

In 1994, Bruce Cassidy returned to the Blackhawks organization with the Indianapolis Ice.

1996: Head Coach of Jacksonville Lizard Kings

In 1996, Bruce Cassidy became head coach of the Jacksonville Lizard Kings of the ECHL.

1996: Coaching Job with Jacksonville Lizard Kings

In 1996, Bruce Cassidy retired as a player ten games into the 1996–97 season to take a head coaching job with the Jacksonville Lizard Kings of the ECHL mid-season.

1997: Retired as a Player

In 1997, Bruce Cassidy officially retired as a player to focus on his coaching career.

1998: Head Coach of Trenton Titans

In 1998, Bruce Cassidy took the head coaching job with the expansion Trenton Titans of the ECHL.

1998: Head Coach of Indianapolis Ice

In 1998, Bruce Cassidy was promoted to head coach of the Indianapolis Ice of the IHL.

2001: Returned to Grand Rapids

In 2001, Bruce Cassidy returned to Grand Rapids for the 2001-02 season.

2002: Hired by Washington Capitals

In 2002, the Washington Capitals of the NHL hired Bruce Cassidy to become the head coach of the club.

2003: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2003, Bruce Cassidy coached the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2003: Return as Head Coach

In 2003, Bruce Cassidy returned as head coach of the Washington Capitals.

June 2004: Assistant Coach with Chicago Blackhawks

In June 2004, Bruce Cassidy signed on as an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks.

2004: Fired by Capitals

In 2004, 28 games into the season, Bruce Cassidy was fired by the Washington Capitals and replaced by Glen Hanlon.

2005: Behind Blackhawks Bench

During the 2004-2005 NHL lockout, Bruce Cassidy was behind the Chicago Blackhawks bench as an assistant to head coach Trent Yawney for the 2005-06 season.

July 12, 2006: Hired by Kingston Frontenacs

On July 12, 2006, Bruce Cassidy was hired by the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs.

September 10, 2006: Coached Against Former Mentor

On September 10, 2006, Bruce Cassidy coached against his former coach and mentor Brian Kilrea in a pre-season exhibition game.

2006: Contract Not Renewed

In 2006, Bruce Cassidy's contract with the Chicago Blackhawks was not renewed.

2007: Fired by Kingston Frontenacs

In 2007, after a rough start to the season, Bruce Cassidy was fired by the Kingston Frontenacs and replaced by Larry Mavety.

2008: Assistant Coach with Providence Bruins

In 2008, Bruce Cassidy joined the Providence Bruins of the AHL as an assistant coach under Rob Murray.

2011: Head Coach of Providence Bruins

In 2011, Bruce Cassidy was promoted to head coach of the Providence Bruins after Rob Murray was fired.

2012: Best AHL Record

In the 2012-2013 season, Bruce Cassidy led the Providence Bruins to the best record in the AHL.

2013: Playoff Appearance

In 2013, Bruce Cassidy led Providence to the playoffs, finishing with a 40-25-11 record.

2014: Third Consecutive Season with 40+ Wins

In 2014, Bruce Cassidy led the Providence Bruins to their third consecutive season with 40 or more victories.

2015: Division Semifinals Loss

In 2015, Bruce Cassidy led the Providence Bruins to a 41-22-13 record, finishing in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but the team lost the division semifinals to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in three games.