Dartmouth’s Mike Johnston new Penguins coach

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ new coach grew up five minutes from where the teams’ star player got his start.

Dartmouth-born Mike Johnston has signed a three-year deal with the Penguins, taking over behind the bench from the recently fired Dan Byslma.

Bob Johnston told News 95.7 it’s about time his brother got the opportunity.

“I think he’s paid his dues, and I know he’s earned a shot, and I’m really proud that he has,” he said.

Sidney Crosby and company had a disappointing playoff run this season, bowing out in the second round.

But Bob Johnston is confident his brother can turn things around in Pittsburgh, based on his past success with university and junior teams.

“He was able to understand the culture of a hockey team, and understand to make a team successful, you had to push the right buttons with players to make them perform their best,” he said.

The irony of Johnston’s hiring isn’t lost on his brother; the two grew up not far from Sidney Crosby’s old Cole Harbor stomping grounds.

But Johnston’s Maritime connection likely had little to do with his hiring, according to Sean McKenna with the Dartmouth Minor Hockey Association

“From everything that I’ve read, and everyone that I’ve talked to, it was his brand of coaching and what he brings that they were looking for,” said McKenna.

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