Fast Break

NHL

Babcock, Wings agree on contract

Mike Babcock helped bring the Stanley Cup back to Detroit.

In turn, Red Wings ownership is bringing Babcock back for three more years.

The team announced Wednesday that the Cup-winning coach has agreed to a three-year contract worth about $4.5 million.

“For me, this place has been fantastic,” Babcock said during a morning news conference at Joe Louis Arena. “I love where I live. I love coming to work.”

Babcock led Detroit to a title in his third season. During that time, the Wings twice have had the most points in the regular season.

Babcock, who coached the Spokane Chiefs for six years (1994-2000), is a finalist for the Adams Award, which goes to the coach recognized as best in the NHL each season.

Since his first year as an NHL head coach in 2003, Babcock leads all head coaches in postseason wins with 43.

• Babcock will have to find a new assistant coach to replace Todd McLellan, who was hired as head coach of the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

A person familiar with the decision, speaking on condition of anonymity because an announcement has not been made, says that McLellan will be introduced at a news conference today.

NFL

Holmgren back on practice field

Coach Mike Holmgren has returned to the Seattle Seahawks’ practice field after missing two days with what the team emphasized was a minor, but undisclosed, medical issue.

Holmgren, who turns 60 on Sunday, stood on the sidelines throughout a 90-minute practice Wednesday wearing shorts and a team pullover on a misty and cool morning.

Holmgren did not comment on his absence. He is to hold his normally scheduled news conference today to end his team’s final off-season minicamp.

Holmgren is entering his 10th and final season as Seahawks coach. Assistant head coach Jim Mora, also the defensive backs coach, has already been named as his successor.

Baseball

Ortiz becomes U.S. citizen

A Red Sox Nation slugger has found a new nation to call home.

David Ortiz and 220 other immigrants became U.S. citizens Wednesday at a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

The 32-year-old slugger from the Dominican Republic held an American flag in one hand as he recited the Pledge of Allegiance with the other new citizens. He was joined by many members of his family, including his father, Americo, who said in Spanish afterward he was proud of his son.

Ortiz has been out of the Red Sox lineup since June 1, when he injured his wrist. He has been with the Red Sox since 2003.