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A Rare Meeting: When Bruins’ Coach marco Sturm Met Dirk Nowitzki
Published: 2026/01/21 00:03:30
the Unexpected Encounter
Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm recounts a memorable and unique experience: his only meeting with German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki. The encounter took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, while Nowitzki was playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
A Story Shared with Teammates
Sturm recently shared the story with his fellow coaches, recalling the moment with fondness. “I have told the story to my coaching colleagues just yesterday. It was right over there,” Sturm said, gesturing towards the Dallas Stars’ locker room area. He admitted he isn’t one to proactively seek out meetings with stars, but a teammate facilitated the chance encounter.
Christian Ehrhoff’s role
Former NHL player Christian Ehrhoff, known for his outgoing personality, took the initiative to find Nowitzki. “I’m not the type to knock on locker room doors saying, ‘Hello, I’m Marco, where can I find Dirk?’ But Christian Ehrhoff is one of those guys. So, I just followed him,” Sturm explained. Nowitzki was accessible, and the two had a brief but enjoyable conversation. “Dirk was actually there and came out. We talked for a few minutes. It was a really nice conversation. He’s a great guy. In retrospect,I’m glad Christian pushed for us to stop by the Mavericks.”
Timing and Context
The meeting occurred during a road trip with the San Jose Sharks, where Sturm and Ehrhoff were teammates. Sturm jokingly speculated that the meeting might have coincided with the day he was traded to the Bruins, adding a layer of personal significance to the memory.
Dirk Nowitzki’s Legacy
Dirk nowitzki, a celebrated figure in the NBA, spent his entire 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks.He led the Mavericks to an NBA championship in 2011, earning Finals MVP honors. Nowitzki is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history and a global icon of the sport. His impact extends beyond the court, as he is known for his charitable work and dedication to the Dallas community.
Key Takeaways
- Marco Sturm and Dirk Nowitzki met at the American Airlines center in Dallas










