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New York Rangers: Kevin Shattenkirk’s history with David Quinn

By Victoria Ranieri

BOSTON - JANUARY 08: Kevin Shattenkirk #3 of the Boston University Terriers takes the puck from Cam Atkinson #13 of the Boston College Eagles on January 8, 2010 during the Sun Life Frozen Fenway Hockey Game at the Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Terriers defeated the Eagles 3-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JANUARY 08: Kevin Shattenkirk #3 of the Boston University Terriers takes the puck from Cam Atkinson #13 of the Boston College Eagles on January 8, 2010 during the Sun Life Frozen Fenway Hockey Game at the Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Terriers defeated the Eagles 3-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New York Rangers have just hired Boston University’s David Quinn to be their new head coach. Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has a history with Quinn that goes beyond college hockey.

David Quinn spent 10 years coaching with Boston University. Quinn was an associate coach from 2004-2009 and after coaching in the AHL and NHL, returned as head coach of Boston from 2013-2018. In May, Quinn was named the 35th head coach of the New York Rangers.

Prior to playing at Boston University, Kevin Shattenkirk played for USA hockey’s National Development Team Program. He showed flashes of offensive talent when he produced 15 points in 26 games his first year on the team. While he played only 14 games in his next season, he managed to put up nearly a point per game with 13 total points. It was around this time that Shattenkirk was recruited by Quinn to play at Boston University.

In 2007, Shattenkirk began his NCAA career and Quinn began his fourth year as associate coach. Shattenkirk put up a respectable four goals and 17 assists in 40 games in his freshman year. From there on, his point totals only continued to climb. His second year, he recorded seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points in 43 games. Additionally, he was a part of the NCAA championship winning team in 2009. In his final year, Shattenkirk once again recorded seven goals, but 22 assists for 29 points in 38 games.

Not only did Quinn manage to aid in Shattenkirk’s skill development, he aided in his leadership development. For the 2009-2010 season, Shattenkirk was named co-captain, and was named full captain during the season after the other captained turned pro. After a playoff defeat, Shattenkirk signed his entry level contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

As for David Quinn, he left Boston University before the 2009-2010 season to become head coach of the Lake Erie Monsters. Then an affiliate of, you guessed it, the Colorado Avalanche.

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After signing his entry level contract, Shattenkirk signed an amateur tryout with the Monsters. Once again playing under Quinn.

Shattenkirk’s time with the Monsters was rather short lived. He joined them for just three games at the end of the 2009-2010 season and recorded two assists. The next season he played ten games, recording no points. After only 13 AHL games, he was called up to the Colorado Avalanche and began his NHL career.

One of the biggest factors of Quinn’s coaching style is that he holds players accountable. In a New York Post article, Shattenkirk explained that he was taught an important lesson in accountability during his time with Erie. Because he was such a high first round pick, Shattenkirk believed that he would get called up regardless of his play. This was not the case however, as he was benched and forced to watch the game from the stands. Shattenkirk took this to heart and bettered his game, leading to his eventual call-up and leading to him being a mainstay in the NHL.

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This speaks volumes for Quinn as a coach. No matter who you are, veteran or rookie, first round pick or seventh round pick, you will be held accountable. This accountability will lead the way in the rebuild and into a new era of New York Rangers’ hockey.

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