Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie6/14/2007 12:14:23 PM
Following the formalities of signing a multi-year contract, Mike Keenan and the Calgary Flames will officially announce his hiring as head coach at the Pengrowth Saddledome at a news conference at 3:30 pm et today.
Jim Playflair will remain on as an assistant to Keenan, while further discussions with Rich Preston, Wayne Fleming and Rob Cookson are expected to take place on Friday.
Keenan's hiring comes as a huge surprise to many, but a quick trip down memory lane shows a long history with the Sutter family.
Keenan's hiring comes as a huge surprise to many, but a quick trip down memory lane shows a long history with the Sutter family.
Keenan and Flames general manager Darryl Sutter worked together in Chicago and helped lead the Blackhawks to the 1992 Stanley Cup Final.
Keenan hired Brian Sutter as his assistant coach in 1991 as part of his Canada Cup staff.
Duane and Brent Sutter both played for Mike Keenan in Chicago, while twins, Ron and Rich Sutter also have playing experience with Keenan as their head coach.
As one NHL executive puts it, "Keenan and the Sutters are like thinkers..it makes perfect sense."
The Flames went 43-25-10, finishing 8th in the Western Conference last season under Playfair. They lost to the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs.
Keenan's last job in the NHL was with the Florida Panthers where he was replaced by Jacques Martin just prior to the 2006-07 season. The Panthers were Keenan's seventh NHL team. He began his NHL career as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1984. He captured the Jack Adams trophy awarded to the league's top coach in 1985 while leading the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final.
In 1993-94, he was hired as head coach of New York Rangers and led the franchise to its first Stanley Cup win since 1940. Keenan also served as head coach and GM as the St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, and Boston Bruins.
Keenan began his coaching career with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League.
Iron Mike has been behind the bench for 1,014 games with 569 wins, 447 losses, 140 ties and 20 overtime losses.
Iron Mike has been behind the bench for 1,014 games with 569 wins, 447 losses, 140 ties and 20 overtime losses.
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