Blackhawks Hire Sutter as Coach

Brian Sutter was hired Thursday as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, his fourth team in 13 years.

“It came clear that in terms of leadership, he was prepared to accept the leadership role of the team as we prepare to rebuild,” General Manager Mike Smith said.

Sutter, whose brother Darryl coached Chicago from 1992-95, will be the team’s sixth coach since 1995.

The Blackhawks, who have missed the playoffs four consecutive years, have been searching for a coach since a heart ailment forced Alpo Suhonen out in March after less than one season.

Sutter has 10 years experience as an NHL coach with St. Louis, Boston and Calgary. He has a 360-319-103 record and his teams made the playoffs seven times.