Jim Montgomery is no stranger to St. Louis hockey. He played centre for the Blues before rejoining the team as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. His career has taken him across the country, with positions in Dallas and Boston. Now, he’s back in the Lou—this time as the Blues’ head coach.

What was that phone call like from the St. Louis Blues?
It was incredibly gratifying. When Doug Armstrong wanted to discuss the possibility of me being the head coach of the Blues, I was ready to come as soon as he said it. I was excited about the vision, and I know the players in that locker room are talented and want to be great. As much as I was invested in Boston, it felt like part of a larger plan when this opportunity came. I’m very excited to be back in St. Louis, which is home for my family and myself. All of my closest friends and favorite restaurants are here.

What have you learned about yourself as you’ve transitioned from place to place?
I try to take the best things I’ve learned from wherever I’ve been and make them a part of my fiber. Then I share that with the next group of people I’m fortunate to work with.

Did you stay connected with St. Louis while in Boston?
I’m lucky to have great family and in-laws that live in St. Louis who were willing to immediately become Bruins fans. Once we we’re coming back to St. Louis, there were flags outside of everyone’s homes flying the Blues colors.

Who has inspired you in your career?
I’m lucky to have been around so many great people who have impacted my life. I’ve had so many influences in St. Louis. As a player, it was Brett Hull, Kelly Chase, Curtis Joseph, Craig Janney, Basil McRae and Brendan Shanahan. When I was training in St. Louis, it was Scott Mellanby, Chris Pronger, Keith Tkachuk and Al MacInnis. I’ve also made connections with so many great Blues alums, like Rob Ramage and Bruce Affleck. The list goes on and on.

What’s your go-to when you want to wind down?
A nice dinner with great friends. If that’s not available, just going home and the laughter of my children.

What do you appreciate about St. Louis now that you’ve been in other cities?
No. 1 is the people. Everywhere you go, the people are genuine. They care about the community and their neighbors. That’s why St. Louis has always been home.

You’ve got a week left on the planet. What St. Louis restaurants are you hitting one more time?
Cafe Napoli, Annie Gunn’s and Vito’s Pizzeria.

What’s something unexpected you find fun about coaching?
Getting a collective group to think about a common goal. It’s the driving force that ties a team together.

If you were playing one more game, who would you want on the ice with you?
The goaltender is going to be Curtis Joseph. The defensemen are going to be Barrett Jackman and Al MacInnis. The wingers are going to be Paul Kariya and Brett Hull.

And who is your coach?
Scotty Bowman.

Who is the person in the game that still inspires you?
Basil McRae

What advice have you received that you still live by?
As a coach, players accept what you accept. As a player, control what you control.

Why do so many Blues alums find their way back to St. Louis?
The culture of St. Louis is very similar to that in hockey locker rooms. It’s about what you can do for others more than what others can do for you.

What would you like to say to Blues fans?
We’re coming.