Born on October 31, 1955 in Canada, Claude Noel had a passion for hockey from a young age. He grew up playing the sport and dreaming of one day making it to the NHL.
Noel's journey to the NHL was not an easy one. He played professionally in the NAHL, AHL, and IHL, but never managed to reach the highest level. Despite this setback, he continued to work hard and hone his skills as a player.
After retiring as a player, Noel transitioned into coaching. He started out as an assistant coach with various teams before landing his first head coaching job with the Winnipeg Jets in 2011. This was a dream come true for Noel, who had always aspired to lead an NHL team.
During his time with the Jets, Noel made a name for himself as a skilled strategist and motivator. He helped guide the team to several successful seasons and earned the respect of his players and peers alike.
In 2010, Noel got the opportunity to serve as an interim head coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets after they fired Ken Hitchcock. This experience further solidified his reputation as a capable leader in the world of professional hockey.
Off the ice, Noel is a dedicated family man. He has two sons, Chris and Sheldon, with his wife Lynda. Despite the demands of his coaching career, Noel always makes time for his loved ones and values the support they provide him.
Throughout his career, Claude Noel has proven himself to be a talented and respected hockey coach. His dedication to the sport and his ability to inspire those around him have left a lasting impact on the teams he has worked with.
Noel's journey serves as a reminder that success in the NHL is not always about personal accolades, but rather about the impact one can have on those around them. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and the power of believing in oneself.