Mike Keenan
The intense coach and GM whose brief Blues tenure was defined by conflict with star players.
via Wikipedia: Mike Keenan · see source
Mike Keenan served as coach and general manager of the St. Louis Blues from 1994 to 1996. His tenure was marked by conflict with team stars, most notably Brett Hull. Keenan stripped Hull of his captaincy after a dispute over a missed team meeting or practice. Keenan later criticized Hull's play as not being a team player after being let go from the Blues.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 21 October 1949
- Birthplace
- Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Lore & Background
Keenan's time in St. Louis was short but volatile. He served as both head coach and general manager from 1994 to 1996. His relationship with Brett Hull deteriorated rapidly. In one widely reported incident, Keenan stripped Hull of his captaincy after a dispute over a missed team meeting or practice. Another time, defenceman Grant Ledyard had to take time away to be with his wife due to her having a lump in her breast. According to Ledyard's account, when he returned to call about her having a clean bill of health, Keenan (who disliked Ledyard) had spread word that Ledyard had quit on the team.
Reader's Guide
Mike Keenan's tenure with the St. Louis Blues lasted from 1994 to 1996, during which he served as both head coach and general manager. His time was defined by conflict with star players rather than on-ice success. Keenan was even willing to publicly criticize Wayne Gretzky after he acquired the superstar in an early 1996 trade with the Los Angeles Kings. Keenan had previously coached Gretzky in Canada Cup play, and his refusal to moderate his attitude and style even when coaching a team full of stars meant his relationship with the league's all-time leading scorer was never particularly warm. Gretzky refused to consider re-signing with St. Louis during the 1996 off-season and opted instead to finish his playing career with Keenan's former team, the Rangers.
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