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Jon Cooper hired as new Tampa Bay Lightning coach

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FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2011, file photo, Norfolk Admirals head coach Jon Cooper watches an AHL hockey game in Norfolk, Va. Cooper was hired as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team on Monday, March 25, 2013. He is replacing Guy Boucher, who was fired Sunday after 2½ years with the team. (AP Photo/The Virginian-Pilot, Steve Earley, File) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning have hired Jon Cooper as their new coach.

The team announced the move on Monday night.

Cooper had been coaching Syracuse of the AHL, Tampa Bay’s top minor league affiliate. He is replacing Guy Boucher, who was fired Sunday after 2 1/2 years with the team.

Cooper will coach his first game for the Lightning on Friday night against the New Jersey Devils.

Dan Lacroix and Steve Thomas will handle coaching duties when the Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. The pair will then remain as assistant coaches for Cooper.

The Lightning, at 13-18-1, are in next to last place in the Eastern Conference.

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