Mike Babcock resigns as U of S Huskies head coach
Mike Babcock has resigned as head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men's hockey team.
The university announced Babcock, who joined the team in February 2021 on a two-year full-time volunteer basis, will be succeeded by Brandin Cote, who served under Babcock as an assistant coach last season.
"I'm excited for Brandin and his family. He is prepared to be a highly successful coach," Babcock said in a university news release. "I believe he will elevate the Huskies' play and profile even further. I look forward to seeing him continue down the path of what promises to be an incredible career."
Raised in Saskatoon, Babcock has gone on to become one of the most successful Canadian hockey coaches of all time. He spent 17 seasons in the NHL, including guiding the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup championship in 2008. He also coached Anaheim and Toronto. Babcock was fired 23 games into the 2019-20 season while in his fifth season with the Maple Leafs.
On the international stage, Babcock coached Canada’s men’s team to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. He also won the 1994 University Cup with the University of Lethbridge and the 1997 World Juniors. Babcock is the only coach to win six national or international titles.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Babcock for his involvement last season with the program," Huskies chiefs athletics officer Shannon Chinn said in a statement. "His leadership and mentorship were greatly appreciated by the program and the entire Huskie Athletics organization. I am confident in saying the Huskies men's hockey program is ready to take another large leap forward and further its profile as one of the nation's best collegiate hockey programs."
Saskatchewan finished the 2021-22 Canada West regular season with a 13-7-0 record. The Huskies lost to the Calgary Dinos in the conference quarterfinal.
Now, it's time for Swift Current's Cote to lead the program after serving as captain when Babcock was coaching the Spokane Chiefs from 2000 to 2002.
The Huskies play an exhibition non-conference game on Sept. 9 against the University of Regina Cougars. The Huskies open regular season play on Sept. 30 against the Trinity Western Spartans.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.