Todd Bertuzzi Returns to the Game as Head Coach of Ontario Junior Team
A familiar name to Vancouver Canucks fans is stepping back into the spotlight—but this time, behind the bench. Todd Bertuzzi, the former NHL power forward known as much for his controversial past as his undeniable talent, has officially landed a head coaching role for the 2025–2026 season. The announcement marks his return to the hockey world in a more prominent coaching capacity, with many curious to see where this new chapter will take him.
Bertuzzi, who spent a significant portion of his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks, has been appointed the new head coach of the Cambridge RedHawks, a Junior B team in Ontario. The team competes in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), which falls under the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). The hiring was announced Monday via the RedHawks’ official social media accounts.
The statement read with enthusiasm:
“ATTENTION REDHAWKS FANS!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE NEST
Please join us in giving a warm RedHawks welcome to our new Head Coach for the 2025-2026 season…
Todd Bertuzzi!
We’re excited for what’s ahead—let’s go RedHawks!”
Bertuzzi’s new role marks his return to organized hockey in a formal coaching capacity after nearly a decade removed from any official role. Though he briefly coached at the U16 level between 2015 and 2017, this new opportunity will place him in a more visible and demanding position—one that could serve as a springboard for higher-level coaching positions down the line.
The Cambridge RedHawks had a fairly strong campaign this past season, finishing sixth in the GOJHL’s Eastern Conference with a 27-18-4-1 record. They secured a playoff berth and matched up against the Fort Erie Meteors in the opening round, ultimately falling in a competitive six-game series. While their playoff journey ended sooner than they hoped, the addition of Bertuzzi signals that the organization is serious about taking the next step and fostering a competitive, disciplined team culture.
For Bertuzzi, this appointment carries a personal connection as well. Though born in Sudbury, Ontario, he has deep ties to the Cambridge area. Just a short drive from Guelph, the location of his junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm, Bertuzzi’s appointment is somewhat of a homecoming. During his OHL stint, he made a name for himself as a hard-nosed forward with elite offensive upside, a reputation that followed him into the NHL.
Throughout his time with the Vancouver Canucks, Bertuzzi was known for his imposing physicality, strong play along the boards, and scoring ability. He recorded 449 points (188 goals and 261 assists) in 518 games as a Canuck and played a central role in one of the team’s most memorable eras during the early 2000s. His physical style of play and role on the notorious “West Coast Express” line—alongside Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison—made him a fan favorite in Vancouver for several years.
However, his on-ice success is forever linked with one of the darkest moments in modern NHL history: the infamous 2004 incident involving Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore. Bertuzzi’s retaliatory hit left Moore seriously injured and resulted in a lengthy suspension that kept Bertuzzi out for the remainder of that season, including the playoffs. The event sparked years of legal proceedings and cast a shadow over Bertuzzi’s otherwise notable career. While the incident remains controversial, it’s also part of what makes Bertuzzi such a polarizing figure in hockey circles.
Now at age 50, Bertuzzi is taking a step toward redefining his legacy—this time through mentorship and leadership rather than physical dominance on the ice. His experience as a former NHLer will undoubtedly be an asset to the young players he’ll be guiding in Cambridge. Many in the hockey community will be watching closely to see how he adjusts to this role and whether his presence behind the bench can inspire and elevate the RedHawks’ performance.
For Vancouver Canucks fans, the news comes at an interesting time. As the team contemplates its future with current head coach Rick Tocchet—whether to extend his contract or stick with the existing deal—Bertuzzi’s name reemerges in the public eye, not as a former player, but as a potential coaching mind to watch. While no one is suggesting Bertuzzi is headed back to the NHL ranks just yet, his move into coaching has sparked conversations about where his career could lead if successful at the junior level.
Should Bertuzzi excel with the RedHawks, there’s already speculation he could eventually earn a coaching spot in the Ontario Hockey League or possibly even move into an assistant role in the NHL someday. His name still carries weight in hockey circles, and if he can build a reputation as a strong communicator and effective leader, doors may begin to open.
At the very least, this is a chance for Bertuzzi to channel his passion for the game into developing the next generation of players. It’s also an opportunity to show how far he’s come since his days as a fiery winger whose temper sometimes got the best of him. A successful coaching stint in Cambridge could mark the beginning of a more reflective, evolved version of Todd Bertuzzi—one defined by mentorship rather than controversy.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cambridge to see how the RedHawks perform under their new coach. Whether or not Bertuzzi can lead them deeper into the playoffs remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: this latest chapter in his hockey journey will be one to watch.
