In a deeply unexpected development, St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery has announced that he has officially filed for divorce from his wife, Emily Montgomery, ending a marriage that has spanned more than 15 years. The news, released through an official club statement on Saturday morning, has reverberated throughout the NHL world, sending waves of surprise and support across the league.
The 54-year-old coach, who has led the Blues through an intense season marked by rebuilding and strategic transition, expressed that the decision to part ways with Emily was “one of the most difficult” of his life but “necessary for the well-being and growth of all involved.” The couple shares two sons, and according to sources close to the family, the separation was amicable and focused on preserving stability for the children.
“This is an incredibly personal matter, and one I approach with a heavy heart,” Montgomery said in his public statement. “After many conversations, reflections, and counseling, Emily and I have made the decision to end our marriage. It is a decision rooted not in anger, but in acceptance that we have grown in different directions and that our paths are meant to diverge at this point in life.”
A Quiet but Public Journey
Jim Montgomery, known for his passionate coaching style and player-focused leadership, has rarely brought his personal life into the spotlight. However, those close to the team have often spoken of the tight-knit Montgomery family, with Emily frequently described as a strong, grounding presence during the ups and downs of Jim’s professional trajectory.
Montgomery and Emily met in the early 2000s during his playing days, marrying soon afterward. She remained by his side through his transition into coaching, including stints at the collegiate level and in the NHL. The couple moved to St. Louis in 2023, when Montgomery was named head coach following his successful turnaround of the Boston Bruins’ bench.
Despite their best efforts, Montgomery said, the evolving demands of professional coaching, personal growth, and the rigors of high-profile life led them to reassess their future together.
“Emily has been a rock in my life for many years,” Montgomery said. “She’s been my supporter through all of it—from coaching in the NCAA to dealing with my own personal challenges in recovery, to returning to the NHL. But as we each grow individually, sometimes the relationship no longer grows with us. That’s what happened here.”
Past Challenges Resurface in the Conversation
Montgomery’s journey back to NHL coaching has not been without obstacles. In 2019, he was dismissed from the Dallas Stars due to what was later revealed as struggles with alcohol addiction. He entered a recovery program and has since spoken openly—and courageously—about his path to sobriety, earning the admiration of many across the league.
His return to coaching with Boston and then St. Louis marked a triumphant comeback, but also introduced new pressures. Multiple insiders have acknowledged that while Montgomery remained focused and composed in his professional role, the intense balance of personal recovery, family life, and the stress of high-performance sports may have taken its toll.
“Jim has carried himself with remarkable dignity through everything,” said an anonymous front office source familiar with both the Boston and St. Louis organizations. “But even the strongest people need space to heal and grow, and sometimes that means difficult changes in their personal life.”
Reactions Across the NHL: Support, Empathy, and Privacy
Following the news, the NHL community quickly rallied in support of Montgomery. Former colleagues, players, and fans took to social media and public platforms to express empathy and encouragement.
“He’s one of the most resilient, honest men I’ve ever worked with,” tweeted former Bruins player Patrice Bergeron. “Jim has faced his demons head-on and come out stronger. Sending love to him and his family right now.”
St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong offered a short statement to reinforce the organization’s support for their head coach:
“Jim has the full backing of this franchise. He is a vital part of our team and has shown nothing but commitment and leadership. We respect his privacy during this time and will do everything necessary to support him as a coach and as a human being.”
The NHL Coaches’ Association also released a brief note of support, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness and family balance in the lives of those in high-pressure roles.
Impact on Coaching Role: Montgomery Stays Focused
Despite the personal developments, Montgomery has made it clear that his commitment to the Blues remains unchanged. According to team sources, he addressed the locker room directly on Friday evening, briefly acknowledging the situation and assuring players of his ongoing focus.
“He just told us straight up, like he always does,” said one veteran Blues player who preferred not to be named. “Told us he was going through something tough personally but that it wouldn’t affect his role. He asked us to keep pushing forward and to respect his family’s space. That’s the kind of leader he is.”
Indeed, many within the organization noted that Montgomery’s openness and authenticity may only strengthen his bond with players.
“He’s not a robot—he’s a real person, and that’s why we play for him,” said another player. “He brings honesty to the room, and we respect him even more for it.”
Emily Montgomery Maintains Silence, Focused on Family
As of this writing, Emily Montgomery has not released a personal statement regarding the divorce. Sources close to her say she is focused on maintaining stability for their two children and has asked for privacy during the transition.
Friends of the couple emphasize that the separation was not fueled by conflict, but by an honest reassessment of life’s priorities. One source close to Emily noted, “There’s still mutual respect and care—this is just about finding peace and happiness in separate chapters.”
A Final Message: Respect, Privacy, and Grace
Montgomery ended his public statement with a call for empathy and privacy.
“There is no playbook for this,” he said. “Emily and I are doing what we believe is right, with love and care for our children at the center. We ask the media and fans to please respect our privacy. This is not a hockey story—this is a family story.”
As the St. Louis Blues continue their push forward, their head coach now steps into a season of personal transformation—off the ice. Jim Montgomery has faced adversity before and emerged stronger. This time, the challenge is quieter but no less significant.
For a man who’s made a career out of teaching resilience, this moment may define his own more than any championship ever could.