NEWARK, N.J. -- The Devils today introduced Peter DeBoer as their new head coach. The announcement was made by Devils’ President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

“Peter DeBoer is an individual who I have watched coach over the past two decades at the junior, international, and professional levels.  His teams have always been well-prepared and disciplined, while maximizing their effort each and every night.” said Lamoriello.  “I am looking forward to working with him.”

DeBoer, 43, spent the past three seasons as head coach with Florida after being named to the position June 13, 2008. He compiled a 103-107-36 mark behind the Panthers’ bench, and led the team to its second-best ever finish at 41-30-11=93pts in 2008-09.

Overall, DeBoer has served as a head coach for 16 consecutive seasons, including 13 years in the Ontario Hockey League with Kitchener (2001-08), Plymouth (1997-2001), and Detroit (1995-97).  During his seven seasons with the OHL Rangers, he compiled 297 wins, a .676 winning percentage, while leading the club to the 2003 Memorial Cup Championship and 2008 OHL Championship. 

DeBoer led the Whalers to the league’s best record in 1998-99 and 1999-00, and the Rangers to the best record in 2002-03 and 2007-08.  He was named the OHL’s Coach of the Year in both 1999 and 2000, while also being honored as the Canadian Hockey League’s Coach of the Year in 2000.  DeBoer totaled 539 victories overall as an OHL coach, and in 2007 became one of just six coaches in league history to reach the 500-wins mark.  He began his coaching career in 1994-95 as an assistant with the OHL’s Detroit Junior Red Wings.

DeBoer served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2010 World Championships in Mannheim and Gelsenkirchen, Germany.  He was also a member of the coaching staff for Gold Medal-winning Team Canada at the 2005 World Junior Championships, and served as an assistant coach at the 1998 World Junior tourney.  Additionally, he was part of the coaching staff for the 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series.  A center, DeBoer was selected by Toronto in the 12th round of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, and played professionally for two seasons with the International Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals.  He holds a law degree from the University of Windsor/University of Detroit.

Peter was born June, 13 1968 in Dunnville, Ont., and played four seasons at Windsor (OHL).  He and his wife, Susan, have one daughter, Abigail, and two sons, Jack and Matthew.