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Mike KeenanCoach of the hockey team "Metallurg" (Magnitogorsk)
Date of Birth: 21.10.1949
Country:  Canada |
Content:
Biography of Mike Keenan
Mike Keenan is a former head coach of the hockey team "Metallurg" (Magnitogorsk) and a former head coach of several teams in the National Hockey League, including the Calgary Flames. He also served as the general manager of the Florida Panthers. Keenan began his sports career as a player, representing the Skating Saints at St. Lawrence University, the University of Toronto team, the Roanoke-Valley Rebels, and the Whitby Warriors.
Early Coaching Career
Keenan first tried his hand at coaching in Toronto, where he became the coach of the Oshawa Legionnaires in 1977. His coaching career started off well, as his team won the league championship in 1979 and 1980. He then moved on to coach junior league teams, starting with the Peterborough Petes and later the Rochester Americans. Under his leadership, the Rochester Americans won the American Hockey League championship in 1983.
Success in the NHL
In 1984, Keenan landed his first major job as he was hired by the Philadelphia Flyers. After four years, he was recruited by the Chicago Blackhawks. In 1993, Keenan became the head coach of the New York Rangers and led the team to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1940. In 1994, he became the first coach to bring two different teams to the Stanley Cup finals, having reached the finals with the Flyers in 1987. This record was later matched by Mike Babcock in 2009.
Later Coaching Career
After leaving the Rangers, Keenan became the coach of the St. Louis Blues, where he had conflicts with the management over the team's uniforms. In 2001, he became the head coach and later the general manager of the Florida Panthers. He left the Panthers in 2006 and became a senior advisor for the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. However, he was soon hired as the head coach of the Calgary Flames.
"Iron Mike"
Keenan is known for his tough coaching style and strict approach to player preparation, earning him the nickname "Iron Mike." His teams have consistently made the playoffs since 1998. Despite his coaching talent, Keenan struggled to maintain long-term positions with teams, likely due to his difficult personality and inability to fit into working environments.
After his coaching career, Keenan joined the MSG Network as part of the broadcasting team. Despite his incredible coaching talent, Keenan's career was marked by frequent changes and controversies. His unique coaching style included frequent goalie substitutions, once making five substitutions in a single game. The league jokingly said, "If your coach is Keenan and you're the backup goalie, be prepared for anything."
