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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mike Babcock faces ‘massive challenge’ as Maple Leafs coach

 (Associated Press)

Mike Babcock was introduced in Toronto as the Maple Leafs’ new coach and said restoring the team will be a “massive, massive challenge.” The former Detroit Red Wings coach takes over a team that finished 27th in the league this season. He said at a news conference Thursday that he is taking the job with “eyes wide open.” Babcock, who also coached the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, spent the last 10 years behind the Detroit bench. His new team is coming off a season that cost head coach Randy Carlyle, interim coach Peter Horachek and many other club officials their jobs. Babcock arrives with great expectations and a reported $50 million, eight-year contract that makes him the NHL’s highest-paid coach. – AP