Post by rainmanrh on Nov 20, 2019 16:43:52 GMT -6
Babcock fired as coach of Maple Leafs
Keefe named replacement for Toronto, which is 0-5-1 in its past six games
NHL.com @nhldotcom
www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-fire-head-coach-mike-babcock/c-311566058
Mike Babcock was fired as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
Sheldon Keefe, who was coach of the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, was named his replacement.
"Today, we made the decision to relieve Mike Babcock of his coaching duties and named Sheldon Keefe our new head coach," Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said. "Over parts of the last five seasons, Mike has played an integral role in changing the direction of our franchise.
"Mike's commitment and tireless work ethic has put our organization in a better place and we are extremely grateful and appreciative of the foundation he has helped us build here."
Toronto went 173-133-45 in five seasons under Babcock, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past three seasons but failing to advance past the Eastern Conference First Round.
Keefe was in his fifth season with the Marlies, who he led to the best regular-season record in the AHL twice, and the Calder Cup championship in 2018. Toronto was 10-2-2-1 and in first place in the North Division this season.
"At this time, we collectively felt that it was best to make a change to Sheldon Keefe," Shanahan said. "Sheldon's record with the Marlies in terms of development and on-ice success during his time in our organization has compelled us all to feel that he is the right person to take us to the next stage in our evolution."
Prior to joining the Toronto organization, the 39-year-old was coach of Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League, where he worked under current Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas.
The Maple Leafs (9-10-4), who are 0-5-1 in their past six games, including a 4-2 loss at the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, play at the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday (9 p.m. ET; FS-A, FS-A PLUS, SNO, NHL.TV).
Assistant coaches Paul McFarland and Dave Hakstol will remain with the Maple Leafs.
MORE TO COME
Keefe named replacement for Toronto, which is 0-5-1 in its past six games
NHL.com @nhldotcom
www.nhl.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-fire-head-coach-mike-babcock/c-311566058
Mike Babcock was fired as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
Sheldon Keefe, who was coach of the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, was named his replacement.
"Today, we made the decision to relieve Mike Babcock of his coaching duties and named Sheldon Keefe our new head coach," Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said. "Over parts of the last five seasons, Mike has played an integral role in changing the direction of our franchise.
"Mike's commitment and tireless work ethic has put our organization in a better place and we are extremely grateful and appreciative of the foundation he has helped us build here."
Toronto went 173-133-45 in five seasons under Babcock, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past three seasons but failing to advance past the Eastern Conference First Round.
Keefe was in his fifth season with the Marlies, who he led to the best regular-season record in the AHL twice, and the Calder Cup championship in 2018. Toronto was 10-2-2-1 and in first place in the North Division this season.
"At this time, we collectively felt that it was best to make a change to Sheldon Keefe," Shanahan said. "Sheldon's record with the Marlies in terms of development and on-ice success during his time in our organization has compelled us all to feel that he is the right person to take us to the next stage in our evolution."
Prior to joining the Toronto organization, the 39-year-old was coach of Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League, where he worked under current Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas.
The Maple Leafs (9-10-4), who are 0-5-1 in their past six games, including a 4-2 loss at the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, play at the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday (9 p.m. ET; FS-A, FS-A PLUS, SNO, NHL.TV).
Assistant coaches Paul McFarland and Dave Hakstol will remain with the Maple Leafs.
MORE TO COME
