Ruff named assistant for Canada in Olympics
Sabres coach will serve on Babcock's staff
Published: June 24, 2009, 9:06 pm
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Lindy Ruff is getting his shot at Olympic glory.
The Buffalo Sabres coach was named as an assistant for Canada's 2010 Olympic team Thursday morning. Ruff will help head coach Mike Babcock along with Ken Hitchcock and Jacques Lemaire.
Babcock has been one of the NHL's most successful coaches in recent years. He helped the Detroit Red Wings to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals, winning in 2008, and posted at least 50 wins in four consecutive seasons.
Canada is coming off its worst showing at the games, finishing seventh at the 2006 Turin Olympics.
Ruff's first chance at international competition came this spring as the head coach for Canada's world championships team. Ruff earned a silver medal in Switzerland, losing the Russia in the championship game.
"Any time you have a chance to play for your country or be involved with your country is a whole new level of special, Babcock said of being named head coach.
After the Stanley Cup celebration in 2008, Babcock sought out Steve Yzerman in the hallway at Mellon Arena and asked him how to apply for the Olympic job. Yzerman had yet to assume the position of executive director, but he told Babcock that Hockey Canada already knew he was interested.
"I'm certain that Mike is the right guy to take the reins and lead this team," Yzerman said Thursday.
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