Former Red Wing shares another story of a classless action from Mike Babcock
Mike Babcock once had a reputation of being one of the best coaches in the NHL, and now that his career's over, he's mostly known for bothering his players.
Ever since Babcock was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, stories began to emerge from multiple Leafs and Red Wings players of weirdly hostile actions from Babcock. He was able to recover and land another job with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but Babcock was fired before the season began after asking to go through player's phones.
Now it's safe to say that Babcock will be out of the NHL for good, more players are coming out of the woodwork with stories on Babcock. In a recent interview with the Cam and Strick Podcast, Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard revealed that Babcock told the media in front of him that he shouldn't be rookie of the year - it should be Tyler Myers instead.
The only time I really got pissed off at him was when I got put up for Rookie of the Year. He did a media scrum right in front of me . . . He was like, my vote's for Tyler Myers . . . They all turn their attention over to me, and I'm like, unfortunately he doesn't have a vote.
Jimmy Howard was the longtime starter of the Detroit Red Wings just after their last Stanley Cup in 2008. In 2009-10, Howard started 63 games and secured a record of 37-15-10, and a save percentage of .924. Tyler Myers had his career best year as a rookie, scoring 11 goals and 48 points in 82 games with the Buffalo Sabres. In the end, Myers won the Calder Trophy in a landslide, but Howard did come second place. It's good to see Howard able to laugh about it now, and he's probably happy to see Babcock's fall from grace.
Babcock's shameful departure from hockey has also been a signal of change for NHL coaches. There's still a few who employ a tougher attitude and hold players accountable, but unfair old-school punishments and mind games will not be allowed in NHL dressing rooms anymore - it's like any other workplace after all.
Source: Cam and Strick Podcast
Mike Babcock «voted» against his own goalie to win rookie of the year
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