HabsWorld.net -- 

Laval didn’t have to go too far to find their new bench boss.  The team announced on Monday that Daniel Jacob has been appointed as their new head coach.

Rocket GM John Sedgwick released the following statement:

The Montreal Canadiens organization is proud to promote Daniel Jacob to the position of head coach of the Laval Rocket. Daniel brings over 15 years of experience as an assistant coach in both the QMJHL and AHL, and we believe that he is ready to take the next step in his impressive coaching career. In his time with the Laval Rocket, Daniel has earned the respect of all his colleagues and players with his relentless enthusiasm, work ethic and undeniable passion for the game of hockey and for improving hockey players. He is an excellent communicator with a proven track record of player development and strong values which are aligned with those of the Montreal Canadiens and Laval Rocket organizations. Daniel is the right person for this role, and we have full confidence in his ability to continue to develop our young players in a competitive environment. Congratulations to Daniel and his family and we look forward to his tenure as our head coach”

Laval’s head coaching position opened up last month when Pascal Vincent departed to go to Seattle as an assistant coach.  A long search for a successor followed but in the end, they went with someone they were already familiar with.

Jacob has had two separate stints on Laval’s bench as an assistant.  He spent three years there with Joel Bouchard before following him to San Diego and Syracuse for one season each.  Back in 2024, the Rocket lured the 45-year-old back home, joining Vincent’s staff.  Jacob also has assistant coaching experience in the QMJHL and USports but this will be his first time serving as a head coach.

With Jacob taking over the top role, Laval’s focus will now be on finding an assistant coach to replace him.  They also have a decision to make on goalie coach Ilia Ejov, who was appointed to the role on an interim basis last season when Marco Marciano moved up to the Canadiens.  Will they lift the interim tag or find someone else for the position?  While one coaching question has now been solved, others will now become the focus.