Langenbrunner Named Coach for USA Hockey Prospects Game

BostonBruins.com - After spending 18 years on the ice in the National Hockey League, Boston Bruins Director of Player Development Jamie Langenbrunner will find himself behind the bench for the first time.
USA Hockey announced on Monday that the Cloquet, Minnesota native will coach the 2018 USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game on September 19 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The seventh-annual event will showcase 42 of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft.

"It's an honor to be involved in an event like this for USA Hockey," said Langenbrunner. "I've been fortunate to be a part of a few key events in the playing capacity, but this is my first time being involved with them in the post-playing career, so you know it'll be exciting."
The former forward has represented his country five times, including captaining the silver-medal winning 2010 U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team. He also won two Stanley Cups, with Dallas in 1999 and New Jersey in 2003, finishing his NHL career on the St. Louis Blues with 1,109 games played and 663 points (243-420).
Since hanging up his skates, Langenbrunner has found a new home with the Bruins. He is in his third season in the hockey operations department, working as a Player Development Coordinator until his recent promotion this offseason. He oversees all aspects of the Bruins prospects, including running the annual Boston Bruins Development Camp that took place in June. Heading into the 2018-19 NHL season, Langenbrunner is optimistic about the Bruins system and future.
"I think we're in a very good position right now with the guys we had in Providence last year," said Langenbrunner. "There's a whole handful of them that have been there for the last two years that are training themselves into being very good hockey players. I think that's why you saw what we did or didn't do in the offseason as far as free agency goes. You know, we feel that there's guys that are going to push."

He also credits the Bruins' main leadership core as being an essential component of these players' development.
"We're very fortunate that we have a lot of inner competition right now," said Langenbrunner. "The fact is that we have, what I consider, some of the greatest leadership in Zee [Zdeno Chara], Patrice [Bergeron], Marchy [Brad Marchand]. You can't ask for better leaders than that that are pushing these guys along and showing them the right way. Makes my job real easy."
The preexisting hockey operations staff in Boston has been a key source of knowledge and support during his transition period from player to front office but he has now amassed a "database" in his head that allows him to be successful in this role, better understanding the growth of players, navigating different types of personalities and recognizing the many layers of development that contribute to the success of an NHL franchise.
"The rewarding factors for me are being involved in the game with these kids and watching them when they accomplish their goal," said Langenbrunner, "Which for most of these guys is to play in the National Hockey League."
The USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game will feature players he has known for the last few seasons, stressing that this is only one game and the most important thing is that the kids have fun with it, despite the scouts and attention.
Langenbrunner will coach the AAPG next month with fellow Minnesota native and former Blues teammate Jordan Leopold.