Mike Babcock is retiring from coaching hockey.

In a text message, the 59-year-old Saskatoon product told Les Lazaruk he was, “simply retiring.” On Thursday morning, Huskie Athletics announced that Brandin Cote, who served as an associate coach under Babcock last year, has been named the Dogs’ head coach.

In the text, Babcock added that, “when Dave King and I went through the interviews for the next coach, this was part of the plan. We didn’t know if it was gonna be one or two years. Cote is ready.”

Babcock is stepping aside after one season with the Dogs after joining the Huskies on a full-time volunteer basis in February, 2021. He spent 17 seasons in the N-H-L, including guiding Detroit to a Stanley Cup title in 2008. He was also head coach in Anaheim and Toronto. Babcock was fired 23 games into the 2019-20 season while in his fifth campaign with the Maple Leafs. Internationally, Babcock coached Canada’s men’s team to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.  Following is a screenshot of the text message and the news release from Huskie Athletics…..

Brandin Cote Officially Takes Over as Interim Men’s Hockey Head Coach

Cote ready to lead the Huskies ahead of 2022-23 season.

SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan Huskie men’s hockey program will officially be led by Brandin Cote entering the 2022-23 season. After serving a year as associate head coach under Mike Babcock, Cote will now be the main bench boss for the Dogs.

Prior to the 2021-22 season with the Huskies, Cote worked with the Prince Albert Raiders, Red Deer College, and the Swift Current Broncos as an assistant or associate coach. Cote has also led Team Alberta, Red Deer under-18 Chiefs and the Bentley Generals in a head coach capacity.

The Swift Current, SK-product is ready to lead the Huskies as the program enters its fourth season playing out of Merlis Belsher Place.

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled for the opportunity to lead the Huskie men’s hockey program,” said Cote. “My family and I are thrilled to remain a part of the Huskie family and the community of Saskatoon. I’d like to thank Mike Babcock for his mentorship and commitment to the program over the past year. I look forward to building upon the rich foundation of history and excellence that is synonymous with Huskie men’s hockey.”

Prior to taking up coaching, Cote was a star player who competed for eight seasons in the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, as well as leagues in Germany, Italy, and England. Cote captained the Spokane Chiefs during his time playing junior hockey in the Western Hockey League from 2000 to 2002. Mike Babcock got to see Cote’s leadership ability on and off the ice in Spokane, as he was the head coach at the time.

“I’m excited for Brandin and his family. He is prepared to be a highly successful coach,” said Babcock. “I believe he will elevate the Huskies play and profile even further. I look forward to seeing him continue down the path of what promises to be an incredible career.”

“We are thrilled to have Brandin take over as our interim head coach heading into the new year,” said Chinn. “Over the course of the last season I got to see first-hand his preparation and care for this program and its student-athletes. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Babcock for his involvement last season with the program. His leadership and mentorship was greatly appreciated by the program and the entire Huskie Athletics organization. I am confident in saying the Huskies men’s hockey program is ready to take another large leap forward and further its profile as one of the nation’s best collegiate hockey programs.”

Former legendary Huskie head coach Dave King is excited to see Cote lead the Huskies going into the new season.

“The expertise and continuity Brandin provides Huskie Hockey is terrific. He will maintain excellent leadership for our program moving forward,” said King.

Cote will lead the Huskies for the first time in 2022-23 when they play an exhibition non-conference game on September 9 against provincial rivals, the University of Regina Cougars. The Huskies will open their regular season on September 30 against the Trinity Western Spartans.