INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Tom Webster, who guided the New York Rangers for 14 games in 1986-87 before an inner-ear ailment forced him to resign, Wednesday was named coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
Webster, 40, succeeds Robbie Ftorek, who was fired May 2 after leading the Kings to the NHL's fourth-best record and a spot in the Smythe Division final. Detroit assistant Colin Campbell was the other finalist for the Kings' job.
A former right wing in the NHL and World Hockey Association, Webster had a 5-7-2 record with the Rangers three seasons ago after replacing Ted Sator. However, he had to quit after the inner-ear infection prevented him from flying on road trips.
The problem has been corrected through surgery, and Webster recently underwent a battery of tests in New York to make certain the ear is fine.
'If you'll pardon the pun, I passed with flying colors,' Webster said. 'Everything is fine. Actually, my hearing has never been better.'
Webster, the 16th coach in the Kings' 22-year history, has been living in Windsor, Ontario, where he was the coach of a junior team in the Ontario Hockey League the last two years. He also guided the Canadian team to a fourth-place finish in the 1989 World Junior Championships in Anchorage, Alaska.
Webster had a 147-98-13 record in the OHL, leading the Spitfires to the league title in 1988. He has also captured crowns in the American and Central Leagues.
'He has proven his ability to win at all levels,' Los Angeles General Manager Rogie Vachon said. 'His goals have always been consistent, to win the championship at the highest level. That's what he's here to do with the Kings.'
Campbell was considered the favorite for the job, mostly because of a close friendship with Kings center Wayne Gretzky. But Los Angeles management reportedly felt Campbell and Gretzky were too close.
In Gretzky's first year with the team last season, the Kings finished with 91 points. They rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat Edmonton in the first round of the playoffs, but were swept by eventual Stanley Cup champion Calgary in the division final.
In his two seasons with Los Angeles, Ftorek had frequent arguments with players -- including Gretzky. Webster said he is willing to take advice from No. 99.
'Players that get that much ice time deserve special treatment, ' said Webster, who likened Gretzky to Gordie Howe, a WHA teammate. 'You have to be open-minded and listen to your players. As Howe once said, that's why God gave us one mouth and two ears.'
