Former Canucks head coach Mike Keenan breaks silence on Rick Tocchet's coaching ability
Recently, Donnie and Dhali, The Team! featured a special guest: former Canucks head coach Mike Keenan. The legendary bench boss joined the show to weigh in on the Canucks' slow start this season and whether Rick Tocchet is the right coach to lead the team forward.
Keenan, who coached Tocchet as a rookie out of Sault Ste. Marie, had some interesting insights to share. Reflecting on his first encounter with Tocchet, Keenan said,
That unwavering confidence set the tone for what would become Tocchet's gritty and determined NHL career.
Keenan, known for his tough, no-nonsense coaching style, so much so that many of his methods would be frowned upon today. "Iron Mike" was a demanding leader, employing tactics that would likely be deemed fire able offenses in today's NHL. Despite this, he forged a reputation as one of the game's most accomplished coaches, with a resume that includes an OHL championship, an AHL championship, a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers, and even a KHL championship before he wrapped up his career in 2017-18.
Tocchet, in contrast, blends Keenan's hard-nosed approach with a more modern touch, making him well-suited for today's players. He's demanding but also personable, a mix that has earned the respect of his roster. As the Canucks navigate their early-season struggles, only time will tell if Tocchet is the right man to steer the ship, but Keenan's confidence in his former player is certainly encouraging.
Here is an interesting short documentary that highlights Mike Keenan's coaching
