Craig Hartsburg, associate head coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has announced his retirement from coaching today. This is not only a loss for the Blue Jackets organization, but for the sport of hockey as well as he is a great character and coach in the sport.
Craig Hartsburg Retires From Coaching
Hartsburg came to the Columbus Blue Jackets after the 2011-12 season and was named the associate head coach, a position he held for the last four seasons under both Todd Richards and newly-appointed John Tortorella. He held the same position with the Calgary Flames before arriving on the scene in Columbus. Along with being a very effective associate head coach, he had experience as a head coach with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Ottawa Senators, and the Anaheim Ducks. During his time as a head coach he compiled a record of 201-208-69-13 (W-L-T-OTL) in 491 games alongside three appearances in the playoffs.
Hartsburg, before coming into the NHL coaching picture, spent time as a head coach in the WHL for the Everett Silvertips. During his time in the WHL he had a record of 75-54-16 with two playoff appearances to his name in the process. He also enjoyed a very respectable playing career in the NHL, playing in 570 career games and racking up a total of 413 points as a defenseman throughout his 10 seasons playing in the league. He was the first round pick, sixth overall, of the Minnesota North Stars in 1979.
Hartsburg commented on his retirement earlier today, and had this to say, “I’ve been very fortunate to spend the last 30-plus years in the game as a player or coach and have enjoyed every minute of it, but my priority now is to spend more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren.” He also had some good words for the Blue Jackets organization, “I have really enjoyed my time in Columbus, working with John Tortorella and Todd Richards, and appreciate the opportunity to continue to be part of the organization in a role that will also allow me to devote more time to my family.”
I have the utmost respect for Craig Hartsburg as a coach & a person. I admire the decision to devote his time to family. All the best Hartsy
— Jarmo Kekalainen (@jkekalainen) April 13, 2016
Columbus Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekelainen, also commented on the announcement, saying “Craig Hartsburg has been a great asset to our coaching staff over the past four seasons and we are very grateful for all of his contributions to our club.” He continued to say, “While we are disappointed that he will not be a part of our coaching staff next season, we understand his desire to spend more time with his family and are happy that he will continue to contribute to our hockey operations efforts moving forward.” Words that all the staff and fan base will agree with completely.
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