Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

A Massive Challenge In Toronto

05/21/2015 at 1:17pm EDT

from the CP at TSN,

Mike Babcock took over as Toronto head coach Thursday, saying the Maple Leafs are Canada's team and they need to be put back on the map.

The 52-year-old Babcock, no stranger to coaching Team Canada, becomes the 30th head coach in Leafs' history.

Babcock said he was thrilled and excited to take the Toronto job. He cautioned the journey will be a long one, but promised it will be a lot of fun.

The former Detroit Red Wings coach takes over a 30-44-8 Leafs team that finished 27th in the league this season.

Babcock told the packed news conference in the foyer of the Air Canada Centre that he embraces the job ahead.

"I came here with my eyes wide open," he said.

Babcock made it clear that he is aware of the size of the task ahead and would have no problems operating in the fishbowl that surrounds the Leafs franchise.

"This is going to be a massive, massive challenge," he said.

continued

added 1:23pm, Watch the full Babcock press conference below...

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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