2023-09-17 20:08:57
Head coach Mike Babcock will not even have had time to coach a single game for the Columbus Blue Jackets, not even in the preparatory schedule.
The Ohio organization announced on Sunday that the latter had resigned and that Quebecer Pascal Vincent would take his place.
“It was a difficult decision for everyone, but it was necessary to keep our focus on the players and the team for the upcoming season,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said via email. press release on Sunday.
“Upon reflection, it was clear that continuing as head coach of the Blue Jackets was going to be far too big a distraction,” Babcock added. Although I am disappointed that I will not be able to continue the work that has been started, I know that it is in the best interest of the organization and myself to step down from my role. I wish everyone in the organization the best for the upcoming campaign. »
Remember that last Tuesday, it was revealed in the podcast Spittin’ Chiclets that Babcock delved into the private lives of his players.
According to the coach, the story reported by Paul Bissonnette in the podcast is false.
“When meeting our players and staff, I asked to show me photos of their families on their phones in order to get to know them. There was no other objective behind this initiative,” the pilot said on Friday.
Finally a chance for Pascal Vincent
This unfortunate situation will give Pascal Vincent, 52, the chance to lead a National Hockey League team for the first time in his career.
“Pascal is an exceptional coach,” said Kekalainen. He knows our players and the organization and is respected by everyone. He was a strong candidate for the head coaching job several months ago and he is in the best position to help us navigate through all of this as our training camp gets underway. »
“It’s a difficult day, but I’m looking forward with this great opportunity available to me,” Vincent said. We have a good group of guys who have worked hard to prepare for next season. My focus will be on working with our staff to get everyone ready for an exciting season. »
Vincent has been an associate coach with the Blue Jackets since 2021. He was previously head coach of the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League, where he remained for five seasons.
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