Savard signs contract extension

CHICAGO, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Coach Denis Savard to a contract through the 2008-09 season.

Last season, he guided the Blackhawks to a record of 24-30-7 after succeeding the fired Tom Yawney Nov. 27.

Before assuming the head coaching job, Savard was an assistant for four years following the completion of a 17-year playing career, 12 with Chicago.

"I'm delighted and excited to be a part of a team we all feel will do great things next season," Savard said on the team's Web site.

"Denis has been a part of the Blackhawks organization for a long time," said General Manager Dale Tallon. "We know he will put his heart and soul into coaching this team just as he did as a player."

Whe he took over, Savard was the first coach in team history to win his first three games.