Brett Hull and his former St. Louis Blues teammates recently shared captivating stories about their experience with coach Mike Keenan. Hull, alongside teammates Jim Campbell and Tony Twist, recounted memorable episodes that illustrate Keenan’s demanding coaching style.
Brett Hull and His Teammates Reflect on Mike Keenan
Mike Keenan, who took the helm of the Blues after leading the New York Rangers to a Stanley Cup victory in 1994, has been a controversial figure in sports. His reputation is marked by a tough, no-nonsense approach that many players found challenging. Hull highlighted how Keenan’s strategies made it difficult for players to feel valued, as he treated everyone with the same stringent expectations.
A Notable Incident with Rob Petrovicky
- One story that stood out involved Rob Petrovicky, who was sent down to the minors after a pre-game warmup.
- He was called back almost immediately, creating a sense of confusion and frustration.
- Campbell remarked on the absurdity of the situation, suggesting it was a part of Keenan’s method to exert control.
“Keenan was likely trying to play mind games, much like Scotty Bowman,” Campbell commented, illustrating the complicated dynamic between the coach and his players.
Mind Games and Coaching Philosophy
Hull expressed that Keenan seemed to take delight in orchestrating such mind-bending situations. “People have a Keenan story in almost every podcast,” Hull noted, reflecting on the pervasive impact of Keenan’s coaching style. He described Keenan as a manipulative strategist who consistently found ways to challenge his players.
Positive Aspects of Keenan’s Coaching
Despite their grievances, Hull and his teammates acknowledged a beneficial aspect of Keenan’s coaching: the structured bonus system. According to Campbell, this system rewarded players based on their performance over seven-game segments. The financial incentives were significant, with players often receiving substantial envelopes of cash as rewards for their success.
- Campbell noted: “It was impressive how generous the bonus structure was before the salary cap.”
- Twist added: “He wasn’t hesitant to spend money that wasn’t his.”
This innovative bonus strategy was one way Keenan motivated his players, even if his overall approach left much to be desired. While Hull and his teammates often recount their struggles under Keenan, they also recognize that his methods produced tangible rewards.
The stories shared by Brett Hull and his former teammates provide a glimpse into the complex relationships between players and coaches in the NHL, particularly during Keenan’s tenure with the Blues. From mind games to financial incentives, these narratives reveal the duality of sports leadership.
