Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery opens up about struggles with alcohol: ‘You can change’

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Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery took home the Jack Adams Award on Monday night as the NHL’s coach of the year. 

Montgomery led the Bruins to an NHL-record 65 wins and 135 points before falling to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Boston Bruins players and head coach Jim Montgomery react after the loss. The Bruins lost to the Florida Panthers, 4-3, in overtime of Game 7 of their Eastern Conference First Round Series. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

It’s been a long journey for Montgomery, who was fired by the Dallas Stars in 2019 for "unprofessional conduct inconsistent with the core values and beliefs" of the organization. 

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On Monday, Montgomery discussed the firing and his struggles with alcohol. 

"Three and a half years ago, the Dallas Stars terminated my contract because of my struggles with alcohol," Montgomery said after accepting the award. "I had to change my actions and behaviors. And that’s when my new team, the most important team in my life, is really what leads to the success I live daily right now. 

Head coach Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins accepts the Jack Adams Award during the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Jason Kempin/Getty Images )

"And for those that struggle out there, you can change. You can affect change within yourself. It doesn't happen alone. You need a team. You need a community."

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Montgomery received a second chance in 2020 as an assistant coach with the St.