The Cambridge RedHawks have made a bold move this offseason by appointing former NHL All-Star Todd Bertuzzi as their new head coach, marking his debut in Junior B coaching. The announcement was made on April 7, 2025, and has already sparked excitement and controversy among fans and analysts alike.
Bertuzzi, who played 1,159 NHL games and amassed 314 goals and 456 assists for a total of 770 points, is known not only for his scoring ability but also for his physical style of play. His NHL career spanned 18 seasons, during which he played for several teams, including the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Detroit Red Wings. His most notable achievements include being named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2003 and participating in the All-Star Games in both 2003 and 2004.
Before being drafted 23rd overall by the Islanders in the 1993 NHL draft, Bertuzzi honed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm, where he tallied an impressive 116 goals and 165 assists for 281 points in 229 games.
As he transitions to coaching, Bertuzzi brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the head coach for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U AAA team from 2015 to 2017. His coaching style is anticipated to reflect the aggressive and skillful play he exhibited during his playing days.
The RedHawks are coming off a challenging season, finishing sixth in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League's Eastern Conference with a record of 27 wins, 18 losses, 4 overtime losses, and 1 shootout loss (27-18-4-1). Their playoff journey was cut short when they lost 4-2 to the Fort Erie Meteors in the first round of the best-of-seven series.
In light of Bertuzzi's hiring, fans are hopeful that his presence will bring a new energy to the team and improve their performance in the upcoming season. The RedHawks took to social media to express their enthusiasm, stating, "🚨 ATTENTION REDHAWKS FANS! 🚨 Please join us in giving a warm Redhawks welcome to our new Head Coach for the 2025-2026 season... 🏒 Todd Bertuzzi 🦅 We’re excited for what’s ahead—let’s go Redhawks!"
However, Bertuzzi's appointment is not without controversy. He is perhaps best remembered for a notorious incident during his time with the Canucks in 2004, when he punched Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore, resulting in Moore being knocked unconscious. The incident led to Bertuzzi being charged with assault causing bodily harm, a charge he pleaded guilty to. Moore never returned to professional hockey and later sued Bertuzzi, with the two parties reaching an out-of-court settlement in 2014. This history has raised questions about how his past actions may influence his coaching career and the team's dynamics.
As the RedHawks prepare for their 2025-2026 season, the focus will be on how Bertuzzi's leadership will shape the team. With a fresh coaching perspective and a desire to improve upon last season's performance, the RedHawks have the potential to surprise their opponents. Fans are eager to see how Bertuzzi will implement his strategies and whether he can inspire the players to elevate their game.
In the coming weeks, the RedHawks will be preparing for their training camp, where Bertuzzi will have the opportunity to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses. This will be crucial as they aim to build a competitive roster capable of making a deeper playoff run next season.
Overall, the appointment of Todd Bertuzzi as head coach of the Cambridge RedHawks is a significant development in the GOJHL. His extensive playing experience and previous coaching roles provide a solid foundation for the team as they look to improve. Whether he can navigate the challenges of coaching while managing his controversial past remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the RedHawks and their fans are in for an intriguing season ahead.
