Bruins Name Sullivan Coach

NHL teams

"I had a chance to work with Mike for a month or so," Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell said. "It came very easily to him. It was remarkable for such a young coach to have that ability."

Sullivan retired a year ago after a 10-year career in the NHL as a player.

"I feel very fortunate to have not only played for the team and worn the Bruins jersey but also to stand behind the bench," Sullivan said. "I'm just a regular guy that grew up in the area that loved the Bruins and loves hockey. I can't tell you the emotions I feel right now."

Sullivan was in charge of Boston's American Hockey League affiliate in Providence last season until O'Connell fired Bruins coach Robbie Ftorek with nine games left in the regular season and took over behind the bench.

"Mike was the front-runner," O'Connell said Monday. "But you want to make sure you touch all the bases."