Former Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Mike Keenan Lands Surprising New Coaching Job

Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Mike Keenan has landed a new coaching job overseas in December.

Months after being forced to step down as head coach of the Italian Men's National Team, former Vancouver Canucks head coach Mike Keenan is making a brief, temporary return behind the bench.

Mike Keenan lands new job for upcoming tournament

In a press release on their website on Monday, the KHL announced that Mike Keenan, along with Mike Pelino, who took over head coaching duties with Italy, will coach the 'KHL World Team' at the 2024 Channel One Cup in St. Petersburg.

'Mike Keenan, who led Metallurg to its first Gagarin Cup triumph, will be head coach of the KHL World Team at the upcoming Channel 1 Cup. The 75-year-old Canadian is the only coach to win both Stanley and Gagarin Cups in a career that saw him win 84 out of 166 games behind the bench in Magnitogorsk before moving for a shorter spell with Kunlun Red Star (35 games, 11 wins).' the KHL announced.

The tournament, which runs from December 12th to 15th at SKA Arena, will feature a total of four teams - Kazakhstan national team; Belarus national team; 'KHL World' team, which features import players in the league; along with Russia 25, a team featuring Russian players 25-and-under, headlined by Montreal Canadiens top prospect Ivan Demidov.

Mike Keenan commented on being named head coach for KHL World Team, saying that he's excited to be back behind the bench working with some great import players in the league in a tournament against tough opposition.

He went on to say that he's looking forward to being back in Russia and meeting up with some of his old friends he's met over the years.

'Mike Pelino and I are excited about the start of the Channel 1 Cup and the chance to work with a select team of imports. It's going to be an interesting international tournament with three strong teams from Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. We don't have much time to prepare, but we'll do all we can to get our guys playing good hockey and being competitive in this tournament. I'm looking forward to my trip to Russia and I'll be happy to catch up with some old friends.' Keenan said.

Mike Keenan's KHL World Team will kick off the 2024 Channel One Cup on December 12th against Ivan Demidov and Russia 25.