CHAMPIONS LUNCHEON

Friday, April 25, 2025

Edmonton Convention Centre
9797 – Jasper Avenue Edmonton

Doors 11:30 AM
Lunch/Program 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

$6,000 for a Table of 8
(tax receipt $3,500)

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Mike Keenan

Mike Keenan is a highly respected former NHL player and one of the most accomplished and passionate coaches in hockey history. Born on November 21, 1949, in Bowmanville, Ontario, Keenan played junior hockey for the Hamilton Red Wings and had a brief playing career as a defenseman with the Philadelphia Flyers in the early 1970s. However, it was as a coach that Keenan truly made his mark on the game.

Keenan’s coaching career began in the early 1980s, and he quickly became known for his intense focus on discipline, structure, and team success. One of the cornerstones of his philosophy was building a strong, defensive-minded team that played with a relentless work ethic. His ability to push players to reach their highest potential, while fostering a sense of unity and accountability, became a hallmark of his coaching style.

Perhaps Keenan’s most notable achievement came in 1994 when he led the *New York Rangers* to a Stanley Cup victory, ending the franchise’s 54-year championship drought. Under his leadership, the Rangers played an inspired brand of hockey, combining stellar defense with offensive firepower. Keenan’s ability to manage the personalities of key players like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Adam Graves was instrumental in their success, and the team’s victory was a testament to his coaching acumen and ability to get the best out of his players.

Throughout his career, Keenan coached several NHL teams, including the *Philadelphia Flyers*, *Chicago Blackhawks*, *St. Louis Blues*, *Calgary Flames*, and *Vancouver Canucks*. His teams were consistently competitive, and he became known for his ability to turn teams into contenders, whether it was through solid defensive systems, motivating players to perform at their peak, or making critical in-game adjustments. In particular, his time with the *Chicago Blackhawks* in the late 1980s and early 1990s stood out, as he led the team to multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 1992.

Throughout his career, Mike Keenan was known for his passionate approach to coaching, his commitment to hard work, and his unrelenting desire to win. He was a coach who pushed players to become the best versions of themselves, often getting the most out of teams by fostering a competitive, team-first mentality. While his methods were at times intense, they were always rooted in a deep respect for the game and a desire to achieve greatness.

Keenan’s coaching legacy is defined not only by his Stanley Cup victory with the Rangers but also by the long-lasting impact he had on the players and teams he coached. His leadership, strategic mind, and tireless work ethic have left an indelible mark on the world of hockey, and he is regarded as one of the game’s great coaching figures.

Scott Morrison

Worked 20 years at The Toronto Sun as a hockey writer and columnist, then Sports Editor, also doing television and radio work on the side.

Worked at Sportsnet for six years as Managing Editor, Hockey and insider, before moving to Hockey Night in Canada as an insider and features reporter. During that time worked for CBC TV and Radio.

Returned to Sportsnet, which soon took over HNIC, until semi-retiring in 2019.

Has written numerous books, including four in the past five years – Catch 22, the Rick Vaive Story; 1972 – The Series That Changed Hockey Forever; Draft Day with Doug MacLean; and Iron Mike with Mike Keenan.

Was twice president of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

In 2006 received the Elmer Ferguson Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.