The St. Louis Blues named former Minnesota Wild coach Mike Yeo assistant coach for the upcoming season, and head coach, beginning in the 2017-18 season.
Yeo will be the right hand man in Ken Hitchcock’s final season as Blues’ coach.
“Mike views Ken as someone he can learn from for a year,” said Doug Armstrong. “I think there is going to be good synergy with this group.”
Yeo made the playoffs in three out of five seasons during his tenure as head coach of the Wild, including ousting the Blues in 2014-15 season. That good will did not last long, however; Yeo was fired this past season after a 23-22-10 start.
Yeo is looking forward to working with Hitchcock.
“He’s one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game in my eyes. He’s had success everywhere he’s gone. His teams are always highly competitive.”
Yeo says there is no confusion who’s in charge this upcoming year.
“I know exactly what my role is, and very comfortable in my role, and that is to help him,” explained Yeo. “I’m humbled and honored to be part of (Hitchcock’s) final season.”
Yeo also believes the guidance Hitchcock can provide, will make him a better coach moving forward.
“I’m pretty aware of what my strengths are as a coach, and I’m pretty aware of what my weaknesses are as a coach. Some of those areas where I need the most improvement, are where Hitchcock is at his strongest.”
To listen to Yeo’s comments in full, click on the player above.
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