Joel Quenneville, the new head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, becomes the team’s 12th head coach, bringing joy to himself, the fans, and his biggest supporter, his wife, Elizabeth.
Joel’s life partner, Elizabeth, has been that rock for over three decades. Their journey began in the late 1980s when Joel was playing for the Hartford Whalers.
Elizabeth, a Connecticut native born as Elizabeth “Boo” Shepard, caught Joel’s eye during his time with the team.
The two hit it off, and in 1988, they tied the knot, beginning a life that would take them across the United States and Canada, driven by Joel’s passion for hockey.
Elizabeth was raised in South Windsor, Connecticut, by her parents, Mary Elizabeth (Beach) Shepard and JE “Red” Shepard.
She grew up alongside four siblings—JE “Kip” Shepard, Charles “Tim” Shepard, Nancy (Shepard) Nation, and Anne (Shepard) King.
Her mother, Mary, was a lively figure in the community who co-founded the South Windsor Cultural Arts Concert Series and established the Willow Brook Pet Cemetery.
Mary’s love for her five children was unconditionally and equally, and she lived a full life until her passing in 2017 at the age of 95.
While little is known about Elizabeth’s early years, her grounded upbringing and strong family ties made her the supportive and private person she is today.
Unlike many in the public eye, Elizabeth shies away from social media and the spotlight, focusing instead on her family and Joel’s career behind the scenes.
Joel’s Career In The NHL, As Both A Player And Coach, Kept The Quenneville Family Constantly On The Move
From Hartford to Baltimore, Washington, St. John’s, St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago, and Florida, with wife Elizabeth and their three children, Dylan, Lily, and Anna, they adapted to life in new cities, adopting the adventure that came with Joel’s job.
Through it all, Elizabeth was the bond that held the family together.
Whether it was packing up their home for the next move or cheering from the stands, she ensured their children had a sense of peace despite the continuous change.
The family eventually settled in Hinsdale, Illinois, near Chicago, where they hoped to put down roots.
Hinsdale became their home base, especially during Joel’s successful tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he led the team to three Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
In his opening statement as the Ducks’ head coach, Joel took a moment to thank his family, saying,
“I want to thank my family––my wife is here along with my daughter, Anna, along with (my son and daughter) Dylan and Lily, who are not here today, for your support and for being here as well.“
Via Anaheim Ducks
His words show his deep bond with Elizabeth and their children, who have been by his side through every success and challenge.
While Joel’s career has been defined by accolades, multiple Stanley Cup wins, a Jack Adams Award, and a reputation as one of the NHL’s greatest coaches, Elizabeth’s role has been just as vital, though far less public.
She prefers to let her actions speak louder than words.
Whether she’s supporting Joel during the playoffs’ high-pressure moments or celebrating his new chapter with the Anaheim Ducks, Elizabeth’s presence is a continuous source of strength.
Her love for privacy doesn’t mean she’s not involved.
Elizabeth has backed up Joel’s career, attending games and team events while raising their three children.
Fans may not see her on social media or in the headlines, but those close to the Quennevilles know she’s integral to Joel’s success.
Joel’s Appointment As Head Coach Of The Anaheim Ducks Marks A Fresh Start For The Quenneville Family
After coaching stints with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers, Joel brings his 59 years of experience as an assistant and head coach to a team hungry for success.
His appreciation was apparent in his opening remarks, where he thanked the Ducks’ ownership and management, saying,
“ want to begin by expressing my gratitude to the Samueli family, Mike Schulman, Aaron Teats and Pat Verbeek for believing in me and trusting me to lead the Ducks. I’m humbled, I’m excited to be here today.“
Via Anaheim Ducks
For Elizabeth, this new chapter means another move, another city, and another opportunity to support Joel as he takes on the challenge of rebuilding the Ducks.
While the family’s home remains in Hinsdale, Elizabeth and Joel are no strangers to adapting to new environments.
Their grown children continue to cheer them on, with Anna joining Elizabeth at the press conference to celebrate Joel’s new role.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- As a player, Quenneville was drafted 21st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft.
- Quenneville won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Avalanche in 1996.
- Joel earned his first Stanley Cup as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.
