Monty In As Dallas Stars Coach [VIDEO]

"It's great to be here in Dallas"

From @DU_Hockey to the @DallasStars: Welcome head coach Jim Montgomery! #GoStars | #NHL pic.twitter.com/DL6cClLkP5

— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) May 4, 2018

It's official now...Former UMaine hockey captain Jim Montgomery is head coach of the NHL's Dallas Stars. At a press conference in Dallas to introduce him, Montgomery called it 'an awesome day for the Montgomery family'.

He leaves the University of Denver where he coached the Pioneers to a NCAA title in 2017.

In 1993, Montgomery captained UMaine to the NCAA title and is the all-time career points leader of the Black Bears with 301 points.

He becomes the 8th coach of the Stars since the franchise moved to Dallas.

Stars coach Ken Hitchcock retired at the end of the NHL season after coaching for 22 years.

NOTE: At the University of Denver, Karlton Creech, the former UMaine athletic director is charged with hiring a replacement for Montgomery. He issued this statement...

"On behalf of the University of Denver, we appreciate everything that Jim Montgomery did at DU to continue the Pioneer hockey program's rich tradition of excellence," Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations Karlton Creech said. "We wish Jim all the best in this incredible opportunity for him and his family in Dallas, and thank him for his leadership in bringing the National Championship trophy back to Denver a year ago. We will begin a search immediately for a head coach who has the ability to continue the high standards of Denver hockey set by Jim, his staff and those before him."