Legendary coach Mike Keenan undergoes major surgery

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Josh Tupper
July 7, 2024 (10:15)

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Legendary NHL coach Mike Keane has undergone a major medical procedure.

Mike Keenan, a 74-year-old hockey coach, has announced that he will no longer serve as the head coach for the Italian men's hockey team, a position he has held since October 2022. Keenan's decision comes after he underwent major surgery, but the details of his health condition have not been disclosed.

"No longer Italy's National Head Coach, but will be their hockey consultant. Recovering well from open heart surgery."

Keenan is a well-known figure in the hockey world, having coached several NHL teams, including the New York Rangers, with whom he won a Stanley Cup in 1994. He also coached the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, and Florida Panthers. Despite his success, Keenan's NHL career was marked by controversy, with several abrupt firings and resignations due to his inability to maintain relationships with players and team organizations.

After leaving the NHL, Keenan went on to coach in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he won a Gagarin Cup with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in 2014. In 2018, he underwent treatment for prostate cancer and made a full recovery. Keenan's announcement marks a significant change in his career, and it remains to be seen what his future holds.

"One time we're in the locker room and (Mike) Keenan is all over him. We were like holy shit, normally he's not on [Alexander] Mogilny like that.

Mogilny looks up, he's like, 'Mike, have you ever heard of how I defected, how they
f-----g threatened my family, how they wanted to kill everybody? You think you're f-----g scaring me?'

We were like, 'Holy shit.' It was pretty crazy. Mike didn't know what to say - he normally gets the last word."

- Adrian Aucoin.

Source: Spittin Chiclets ."

Keenan's legacy in the hockey world is complex, with both successes and controversies. However, his impact on the sport cannot be denied, and he remains a significant figure in the hockey world. Despite his controversial past, Keenan's announcement has been met with respect and admiration from many in the hockey community, who acknowledge his contributions to the sport.

Source: Blade of Steel
Legendary coach Mike Keenan makes major announcement regarding his career