Mike Keenan

Mike Keenan, born on October 21, 1949, is a distinguished Canadian-American former professional ice hockey coach and player. His coaching career spanned from 1984 to 2009, during which he made a significant impact in the National Hockey League (NHL). Notably, he ranks sixth in playoff wins with ninety-six victories, showcasing his ability to lead teams in high-stakes situations.

Keenan's coaching journey began with remarkable success, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in his rookie season in 1985. He repeated this achievement in 1987 and later led Team Canada to victory in the 1987 Canada Cup, triumphing over Viktor Tikhonov's Red Army team in a thrilling finale. After a stint with the Philadelphia Flyers, he transitioned to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he again reached the Finals in 1992, although he faced defeat.

After a year away from coaching, Keenan returned to the NHL and achieved his ultimate goal by winning the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994. His coaching prowess is further highlighted by his unique distinction of being one of only three coaches to lead three different teams to the Stanley Cup Final, a feat that has only been matched by one other coach since.

Throughout his career, Keenan coached eight NHL teams and is recognized for his tough coaching style, earning him the nickname 'Iron Mike.' He also made history in 2014 by winning the Gagarin Cup with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, becoming the first head coach to secure championships in both the NHL and KHL. As of now, he stands fifteenth all-time in NHL wins, being one of only twenty-three head coaches to achieve six hundred wins in league history.