Can head coach Mike Babcock lead the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup this season? If his past history is anything to go by, then the answer is an unequivocal YES! As a head coach, Mike Babcock has proven himself more than capable at every level of hockey. In both the NHL and the International hockey scene Mike has achieved success. He is truly one of the best active head coaches in the world of hockey today.
Babcock claims that his winning philosophy comes from his father. Mike Babcock Sr. was a hard working mine pit boss, in Canada. He told his young son that if you want to be the boss you “can’t ask people to work hard if you are not willing to work hard yourself”. This attitude is something that Mike has employed throughout his entire life. Both as a player and behind the bench, Mike believes in leading by example. It is no doubt this view that has lead Mike to a lifetime record of 656-470-114.
Mike took over the head coaching position of the Detroit Red Wings after a two year stint with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
He joined the Red Wings in 2005, and has never looked back. With Mike at the reins, the Red Wings have never missed the play-offs. They have made the Conference finals three times and have appeared in the Stanley Cup final twice. Their appearance in the 2008 Stanley Cup final culminated in a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Detroit Red Wings won the series 4-2.
Mike’s victories are not limited to the NHL. He is the first coach in history to win what the International Ice Hockey Federation is terming the triple crown of coaching. He has won a Stanley Cup, the World Championship and the Olympics. He was able to lead the Canadian Olympic hockey to a gold medal in 2010. His World Championship came in 2004 when he led Team Canada to a victory over the team from Sweden. Additionally, he has a world junior championship under his belt.
Off the ice, Mike is a supporter of a number of charities. Mike is the spokesperson for the Jeffery Thomas Hayden Foundation. The JTHF is a charity that is dedicated to helping children, who have brain tumors, and their families. They also promote awareness and education. His charitable work extends into Canada. In recognition for his contributions, his hometown of Saskatoon, has named a day after him. July 17th 2010, was the first official Mike Babcock Day. This honor was given in recognition for his aid in dealing with The Children’s Health Foundation.
To add to his long list of achievements, Mike has also been named as the Coach of the Year by both the Western Hockey League and the Canadian Inter-university Sport group. He was also named as a finalist for the Jack Adams award in 2008. The Jack Adams award is presented to the NHL’s Coach of the Year.
In the 2010-2011 season Mike lead his Detroit Red Wings to an impressive 82-47-25 and 10 OTLs. The team finished the season with 104 total points. It was the sixth time that Mike and his crew finished the season with more than 100 points. If his history is any indication, this season will no doubt be an explosive one for fans of the Detroit Red Wings.
