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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Babcock to Lead Canadian Olympians

June 25, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Former Spokane Chief head coach Mike Babcock has been named the head coach of Canada's Men's Olympic Team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C.

Babcock coached the Chiefs from 1994-2000 and was twice named the WHL Coach of the Year, 1996 and 2000. Prior to moving to the pro ranks, Babcock won 223 games in Spokane and twice led the Chiefs to the WHL Finals, also in 1996 and 2000.

The announcement was made by Canada's Men's Olympic Hockey Team executive director Steve Yzerman, along with Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson.

Babcock, 46, will be leading a Canadian national team at a third major international event in Vancouver, after leading Canada to gold medals at both the 1997 IIHF World Junior Championship in Switzerland and the 2004 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic. He is the only Canadian head coach to lead teams to gold medals at those two events. Babcock has just completed his fourth season as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, leading that team to a Stanley Cup in 2008, an appearance in the 2009 Stanley Cup Final, and four 40-win seasons. He also coached the Anaheim Ducks from 2002-05, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2003. Born in Manitouwadge, Ont., Babcock was raised in Saskatoon, Sask., and played two seasons in the WHL followed by four years at McGill Univeristy, where he was twice named the team MVP while earning a bachelor's degree in Physical Education.

Yzerman also announced on Thursday that Babcock will be supported by three associate coaches; Jacques Lemaire, Lindy Ruff and Ken Hitchcock.

"With Canada's great passion for hockey, we are lucky to be able to count on a long list of quality Canadian coaches, which gave the management group many great options," said Yzerman. "As a group, we are very pleased with the coaching staff that we have announced today, a group with extensive international and professional experience and success. We look forward to the challenge ahead and are proud to represent Canada in Vancouver in February."

The management group, comprised of Yzerman, Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson and Hockey Canada executive vice-president of hockey operations Johnny Misley, along with associate directors Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, Ont./St. Louis Blues, NHL), Ken Holland (Vernon, B.C./Detroit Red Wings, NHL), Kevin Lowe (Lachute, Que./Edmonton Oilers, NHL) and the newly-named coaching staff, will be finalizing an invitation list and details for the upcoming National Men's Team orientation camp from August 24-28 in Calgary, Alta. The invitation list will be announced shortly.

Yzerman and Hockey Canada also unveiled Canada's support staff for the upcoming 2010 Olympic Winter Games, comprised of individuals with extensive international hockey experience, combining for over 100 major international events.

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