The 52-year-old Laval native has nearly 30 years of coaching experience and was head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets last season.
The Laval Rocket have a new head coach.
Vincent was head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, posting a 27-43-12 record. The Blue Jackets fired Vincent last month.
The 52-year-old Laval native spent 11 seasons as a head coach in the QMJHL, including three with the Montreal Juniors, before becoming an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets. Vincent spent five seasons in that position before becoming head coach of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose — the Jets’ top farm club. He then spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Blue Jackets before replacing Mike Babcock as head coach last season.
“The Montreal Canadiens organization is proud to welcome Pascal Vincent as the new head coach of the Laval Rocket,” Sedgwick said in a news release. “With nearly 30 years of coaching experience at the QMJHL, AHL and NHL levels, Pascal brings a wealth of knowledge, a passion for the game and a proven track record of both winning and player development. His strong values, collaborative mindset and tireless work ethic make him a great fit for our organization and the ideal person to work with our talented group of young players. We are thrilled to be able to add a coach of his calibre and excited for what lies ahead.”
Vincent played in the QMJHL as a centre with the St. Jean Castors, St. Jean Lynx, Laval Titan, Verdun Collège Français and the Granby Bisons. He was named an assistant coach with the Lynx in 1994 and his first head-coaching job was with the midget Triple-A Laval-Laurentides-Lanaudière Régents in 1995-96.