This week in 2005 (Aug. 15), the Vancouver Canucks hired Alain Vigneault to coach their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.

Vigneault came to the franchise having spent time already coaching in the NHL. Between 1992 and 1996 Vigneault was an assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators before a head coaching stint with the Montreal Canadiens between 1997-2001.

He coached the Moose to a 44-24-12 record and into a playoff spot where the lost in the second round.

The following year, he was promoted to the Canucks where he spent seven years manning the bench. Vigneault brought the Canucks to the playoffs in all but one year and to the finals in 2010-11 where they lost to the Boston Bruins.

That year in Manitoba, however, was crucial in helping Vigneault restart his NHL career behind the bench. His time in Vancouver was successful before joining the New York Rangers for a solid five year stint.

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