May 13 (RIA Novosti) – Former National Hockey League (NHL) head coach Mike Keenan has signed a two-year contract to lead the Russian ice hockey club Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Keenan and the club said Monday.
“Just signed contract with Magnitogorsk of KHL,” Keenan wrote on his Twitter feed Monday, using the acronym for the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League in which the club plays. “Looking forward to new coaching opportunity!”
Metallurg announced the signing on its website, saying its contract with the Canadian coach is slated to run for two years.
Keenan’s coaching resume includes stints at the helm of several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the New York Rangers, the Calgary Flames and the Florida Panthers. He led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994.
Nicknamed “Iron Mike” for his hardnosed coaching style, Keenan, 63, had been working as a hockey analyst covering Rangers games for the MSG Network in the New York City area.
Playing in the Eastern Conference of the KHL, Metallurg finished last season with a 27-25 record.
