Advertisement

Longtime NHL coach Mike Keenan hired by Chinese KHL team

By The Sports Xchange
Mike Keenan, former head coach of the Florida Panthers walks to the podium during the first round of the 2006 NHL entry draft being held at Vancouver's GM Place, June 24, 2006. (UPI Photo/Heinz Ruckemann)
Mike Keenan, former head coach of the Florida Panthers walks to the podium during the first round of the 2006 NHL entry draft being held at Vancouver's GM Place, June 24, 2006. (UPI Photo/Heinz Ruckemann) | License Photo

Former NHL coach Mike Keenan has been hired to lead Chinese club Kunlun Red Star, which competes in the Kontinental Hockey League.

The team is hoping to develop Chinese players as the country prepares to compete at its first home Winter Olympics in 2022.

Advertisement

Keenan, 67, became the first coach to win NHL and KHL titles after guiding Metallurg Magnitogorsk to a Gagarin Cup in 2015. He won a Stanley Cup during his one season with the New York Rangers in 1994.

Keenan coached the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames from 1984-2009.

Keenan is known as "Iron Mike" because of his tough style that has worn quickly on players. However, his style has also brought about results -- most notably, 672 all-time coaching wins.

Latest Headlines