Joe Sacco’s time with the Bruins officially came to an end on Thursday when he joined the New York Rangers as an assistant after Boston announced it hired Marco Sturm as its next coach. Sacco took over in the interim after Jim Montgomery was fired in November.

Marco Sturm was named coach of the Boston Bruins on Thursday. The 46-year-old, who played for the Bruins from 2005-10, will be a head coach for the first time in the NHL. He replaces Joe Sacco, who was named interim coach after Jim Montgomery was fired on Nov. 19.

The Bruins named Marco Sturm as their 30th head coach. Bruins GM Don Sweeney on the hiring. “We’re proud to name Marco as the 30th Head Coach of the Boston Bruins and welcome him, Astrid, Mason, and Kaydie to Boston.