Chiefs Extend Babcock Pact Coach Will Guide Whl Team Through 1998-99

Mike Babcock will be on the bench coaching the Spokane Chiefs through the 1998-99 Western Hockey League season.

Babcock, entering the final year of a three-year contract, on Monday signed a two-year extension. Terms were not disclosed, but it was reported earlier that Babcock would be offered a raise along with the extension.

The Chiefs won the West Division championship under Babcock last season and made it to the WHL playoff finals before losing to Brandon. He was named the league’s coach of the year.

“We feel Mike Babcock has proven himself to be one of the finest coaches in junior hockey,” Chiefs president Bobby Brett said in a statement announcing the contract extension. “We felt it was important to show our commitment to him.”

Babcock praised the club, noting the staff from Brett and general manager Tim Speltz to the players “make my job a very enjoyable one. I look forward to the daily challenges in my continued stay in Spokane.”

The coach of Canada’s team in the world junior tournament that starts Dec. 26 in Switzerland, Babcock leaves Wednesday for Calgary, where he’ll greet 41 players at the national team’s first evaluation camp.

Chiefs defenseman Hugh Hamilton is among the 41 under 20-year-olds who’ll work out through Aug. 8.

, DataTimes