When Canada West begins men’s hockey again, the University of Saskatchewan will have a very famous name behind the bench.

The Huskies say Mike Babcock is their new head coach.

A former Huskie hockey player from Saskatoon, Babcock replaces Dave Adolph, who announced his retirement on Dec. 7, 2020, after 27 years coaching Huskie hockey.

“This is an exciting and historic day for Huskie Athletics, and we are thrilled that Mike wants to come back home to lead our men’s hockey program,” said Huskies Chief Athletic Officer DaveHardy. “We are extremely fortunate that the timing lined up perfectly to create this opportunity. Mike’s track record of success speaks for itself, and he will be a great addition to Huskie Athletics, to the men’s hockey program, and to the local hockey community.”

The Saskatchewan native, who at one time coached at the University of Lethbridge and the Moose Jaw Warriors, was an NHL coach for 17 years in Detroit, Anaheim and Toronto before being fired by the Leafs last season. He has won one Stanley Cup and two Olympic gold medals as a part of Team Canada.