St. Louis, June 18, 2025 – Former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube, who recently recovered from surgery, has personally messaged current Blues coach Jim Montgomery—sending more than just a get-well note. The gesture underscores the mutual respect and ongoing connection between the two, stemming from their shared history in St. Louis.
🕊️ A Connection Forged in Adversity
Jim Montgomery served as an assistant under Berube with the Blues before earning head coaching roles with the Boston Bruins and later Toronto Maple Leafs These years built a rapport that transcends rivalries—rooted in shared mentorship and leadership styles.
“When Monty came on board as an assistant in St. Louis,” Berube said, “he was fantastic—I feel for him” during tough times, referencing Montgomery’s firing in Boston
The Message: More Than Courtesy
Sources confirm: after successful surgery, Berube reached out to Montgomery. Their exchange reportedly touched on their coaching philosophies, the importance of resilience in hockey, and how to manage team morale under pressure—a longtime strength of both coaches.
This mentorship echoes Berube’s earlier public support. When Montgomery was fired in Boston in November 2024, Berube expressed:
“This one’s more personal for me.”
The recent message reportedly contained words like “keep fighting,” praising Montgomery’s leadership and offering support—a warmly familial tone between two coaching veterans.
Why It Matters
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Unity in a Competitive World: Despite being rivals on the ice, the connection highlights a deeper community within professional hockey—coaches supporting each other beyond wins and losses.
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A Reminder of Shared Values: Both coaches are admired for transforming teams through grit and strong locker-room culture. Their exchange brings those shared values into sharper focus.
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Berube’s Return to Public View: After surgery, this act of reaching out signals not just his recovery, but his enduring presence in hockey. Even away from the bench, Berube remains a guiding figure.
What’s Next?
Montgomery, now head coach of the Blues, is entering a critical season. Having led the Bruins to a 65-win, 135-point record in 2023 and earning league-wide respect, he faces mounting expectations The backing from Berube may inject extra momentum as Stanley Cup aspirations loom for St. Louis.
⚡ Bottom Line
This isn’t just a routine well-wish—it’s a meaningful nod from a coach who helped shape Montgomery’s career. As Montgomery leads the Blues forward, he does so fortified by the support of the man who delivered them their first Stanley Cup in 2019.
Let me know if you want sidebars on their coaching styles, St. Louis’s season outlook, or highlights from last year’s team dynamics!
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