BREAKING NEWS: St Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery Stuns fans and the entire team as he filed divorce with his wife Emily and explain his decision…see more

In a stunning and deeply personal revelation, St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery announced today that he has officially filed for divorce from his wife of 18 years, Emily Montgomery. The announcement came during a somber press conference at the Enterprise Center early Wednesday morning, catching both fans and members of the organization off guard.

Known for his calm demeanor behind the bench and sharp hockey acumen, Montgomery has largely kept his private life out of the public eye since his return to NHL coaching. But this morning’s emotional appearance marked a significant shift — not only in the coach’s personal narrative, but in the dynamic within the Blues organization as well.

“This Was the Hardest Decision of My Life”

Dressed in a dark suit and visibly emotional, Montgomery began the press conference by expressing gratitude for the support he’s received from the Blues organization, his players, and the fans. He then took a deep breath before addressing the matter directly.

> “This was the hardest decision of my life,” Montgomery said. “Emily and I have shared nearly two decades of memories, love, and family. But after long conversations, counseling, and soul-searching, we’ve come to the mutual decision to part ways.”

The announcement was met with stunned silence from reporters, many of whom have followed Montgomery’s coaching journey from the University of Denver to the Dallas Stars, to his public battle with alcohol addiction, and finally to his redemption with the Boston Bruins and now the St. Louis Blues.

While Montgomery was careful not to divulge deeply personal details, he made it clear that the split was not the result of scandal or betrayal — but rather the natural drift that can occur over time.

> “We’ve grown in different directions,” he explained. “My commitment to this game, to this team, and to becoming the best version of myself has required a lot. Sometimes, that comes at a cost. We just found ourselves living two different lives.”

A Family Man First

Montgomery, who has three children with Emily — ages 16, 13, and 9 — emphasized that his role as a father remains his top priority.

> “Our kids are our greatest achievement,” he said, choking back tears. “This decision doesn’t mean I’ll be any less of a father. Emily and I are committed to co-parenting with love, respect, and open communication.”

Emily Montgomery, a philanthropist and community organizer in the St. Louis area, released a written statement shortly after the press conference concluded.

> “Jim and I remain united as parents and friends. We’ve built a life we’re proud of, and while this is an incredibly difficult time, I respect his honesty and courage. We ask for privacy as we navigate this next chapter,” her statement read.

Inside the Organization: Shock, Support, and Solidarity

Reactions from within the St. Louis Blues organization ranged from stunned disbelief to unwavering support. Several players were reportedly made aware of Montgomery’s announcement shortly before the press conference. Sources say team captain Brayden Schenn addressed the locker room afterward, urging teammates to “rally around our coach” during this time.

Assistant coach Steve Ott described the atmosphere as “heavy, but supportive.”

> “Jim is the heart of this team. He’s not just a coach — he’s someone we admire for his strength, his honesty, and the way he brings people together. Whatever he’s going through, we’re going to be there for him,” Ott said.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong also offered his public support in a statement:

> “Coach Montgomery has our full backing. He has demonstrated time and again the kind of character, resilience, and leadership that makes us proud to have him at the helm of this organization. We respect his decision and stand with him and his family.”

Public Reaction: Sympathy and Respect

As news of the divorce spread, fans flooded social media with messages of sympathy and admiration. Many referenced Montgomery’s openness about his past struggles with alcohol and praised his continued willingness to share his life transparently.

“Jim Montgomery just showed more integrity than most people in the public eye ever do,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “What he’s dealing with can’t be easy, but he’s facing it with grace. Respect.”

Another longtime Blues season ticket holder, Angela Martinez, said, “It’s heartbreaking, but I appreciate his honesty. Divorce happens. We’re not losing our coach — we’re just seeing another side of him. I hope he knows we’ve got his back.”

A Coach With a Complex Past

Montgomery’s career has been marked by both triumph and turbulence. After a successful run with the Dallas Stars, his career was derailed in 2019 when he was dismissed due to unprofessional conduct related to alcohol abuse. After seeking treatment and taking time away from the sport, he made a remarkable return to the NHL as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues in 2020.

By 2022, he had been hired as head coach of the Boston Bruins, leading them to an NHL record-breaking regular season in 2022–23. He returned to St. Louis in 2024, taking over the Blues once again, this time as head coach, amid high expectations and a young roster on the rise.

Throughout his journey, Montgomery has become a symbol of redemption and resilience. His latest chapter adds another layer of complexity to his public image — that of a man grappling with personal upheaval while striving to lead a professional team through one of the NHL’s most grueling seasons.

What’s Next for Montgomery and the Blues?

According to Blues insiders, Montgomery will remain in his position and has no plans to step away from coaching.

> “I still have a job to do. I still have a team to lead. That doesn’t change,” he said. “In fact, I think now more than ever, I need to be focused, grounded, and present for these guys.”