May 15 (UPI) -- The Buffalo Sabres hired Ralph Krueger as the franchise's head coach, the team announced Wednesday.
Krueger replaces former Sabres head coach Phil Housley, who was fired April 7 after his second season with the franchise. Buffalo (33-39-10) missed the NHL playoffs for the eighth straight season and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference.
"I am excited and honored to join the Buffalo Sabres family and will strive to maximize the potential that lies within this team," Krueger said in a statement. "I look forward to building on the many positives that have been established within the organization and I am especially eager to get behind the bench and represent this passionate hockey city."
The 59-year-old coach was the chairman of the Southampton Football Club in the English Premier League for five years before stepping down April 12. Previously, he coached the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012-13 campaign. The Oilers posted a 19-22-7 record during that shortened season and failed to reach the postseason.
Krueger also coached Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. His team lost in the championship game to Team Canada.
"Throughout his career, Ralph has shown the ability to adapt to a variety of high-pressure environments while leading some of the world's elite players," Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said. "His strong communication skills, leadership and diverse background make him a uniquely qualified candidate to lead our team going forward."
