Mike Keenan will coach the Campbell Conference All-Stars Feb. 6 in Montreal. The National Hockey League announced the decision Thursday, and it`s unique, because Keenan will be representing the Blackhawks, who fired him last month as general manager.
”We endorse the decision,” Hawks General Manager Bob Pulford said.
”Mike earned it last season.”
The coaches of the Stanley Cup finalists always coach in the All-Star Game the following year. Keenan turned over coaching duties this year to Darryl Sutter but was dismissed when he wanted more power from owner Bill Wirtz.
”Tell the guys I`ll be keeping a closer eye on them,” Keenan said with a laugh, ”now that I get to pick some of them.”
Fans vote for the starting lineup, but a committee of management personnel fill in the Campbell and Wales Conference lineups. Ed Belfour, Chris Chelios and Jeremy Roenick are almost certain All-Stars, and defenseman Steve Smith also has a chance to be chosen.
”It will be an honor and a privilege to coach an All-Star team again,”
said Keenan, who rose to the same position when he coached Philadelphia.
Keenan said he remains opened-minded about job offers right now to coach other NHL clubs, but he acknowledged it was likely he would wait until the season ends before making a move.