Men of the Week: Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino
KHL.ru continues its weekly column with Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino. The two coaches will lead the KHL World Team at the upcoming Channel One Cup in December.
The League recently announced that coaching legends Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino will lead the KHL World Team at the 2024 Channel One Cup in December. This event marks a significant return for both coaches, who left indelible marks on the league during their tenures. While Keenan and Pelino share a history of collaboration and success, their individual contributions to hockey’s legacy are profound and multi-faceted.
Keenan: A Pioneer Across Continents
Mike Keenan, famously nicknamed “Iron Mike,” remains the only coach to have won both the Stanley Cup and the Gagarin Cup. His NHL triumph came in 1994 when he led the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years. Keenan’s KHL success arrived two decades later with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, where he captured the Gagarin Cup in 2014 during his first season as head coach.
Keenan’s tenure in the KHL was transformative, showcasing his adaptability and tactical acumen. His arrival in Russia was a sensation, as he brought decades of NHL experience to a league still growing on the global stage.
Pelino: A Master Tactician
Mike Pelino first teamed up with Keenan in the KHL as an assistant coach with Metallurg. When Keenan departed the team, Pelino stayed on, working alongside Ilya Vorobyov and further establishing his reputation as one of the league’s top strategists. Pelino played a crucial role in Metallurg's continued success, helping the team secure two Gagarin Cups, cementing their dominance in the mid-2010s. These victories not only outshone Keenan’s single Gagarin Cup but also underscored Pelino’s adaptability and leadership.
Pelino’s career is distinguished by his versatility. Beyond his KHL achievements, he collaborated with Keenan earlier as part of Team Italy’s coaching staff. His ability to work seamlessly across different systems and leagues highlights his tactical expertise and deep understanding of the game. Other than his years in Magnitogorsk, he also worked with Avangard, Lokomotiv, and Ak Bars, until the 2021-2022 campaign.
A Reunion of Titans
The 2024 Channel One Cup provides a fitting stage for Keenan and Pelino to reunite. This event allows them to showcase their collective experience and celebrate their contributions to the KHL’s legacy. While Keenan’s fiery passion and historical achievements will take center stage, Pelino’s analytical mind and championship pedigree will ensure a balanced and formidable approach for the KHL World Team.
Their selection also symbolizes the league’s acknowledgment of its international roots and global aspirations. With Keenan’s iconic Stanley Cup win and Pelino’s unrivaled Gagarin Cup tally, the duo represents a bridge between North American and Russian hockey traditions.
Looking Ahead
Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino’s return to the KHL spotlight is more than a reunion; it’s a testament to their enduring influence on the sport. As they prepare to lead the KHL World Team in December, hockey fans worldwide will witness two coaching legends once again making history — together.
