Thursday, May 23, 2002
Ducks lose coach to Anaheim
By Gary Estwick gestwick@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Babcock
|
Mike Babcock, head coach of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks for the past two years, was named Wednesday the new coach of the NHL parent club, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
“I think this has been coming for a long time,” Babcock said. “I'm excited for myself and my family.”
Babcock, 39, replaces Bryan Murray, who was promoted May2 to senior vice president and general manager.
In two seasons in Cincinnati, Babcock went 74-59-20-7 in the American Hockey League, including a franchise-high 41 wins and 95 points last season. The Mighty Ducks qualified for the playoffs both years.
“The thing I'm really proud of is that we were successful in developing future talent, and we won some games on a daily basis as well,” he said. “(But) we weren't able to win as many playoff games as we would have liked.”
Last season, Anaheim went 29-42-8-3 to finish 13th in the Western Conference and last in the Pacific Division. The club has missed the playoffs three consecutive seasons. Babcock is the sixth head coach in Anaheim's nine-year history.
“The best players in the world get a chance to play in the NHL,” said Pete Robinson, chief executive officer of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. “It's the same with coaches. We know he's earned it. He's made himself one of the best young coaches around.”
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Ducks lose coach to Anaheim