Hawks, Haviland Win Stanley Cup!

Jun 9, 2010

Mike Haviland will be the first Titan with his name on the Stanley Cup, as the Hawks beat the Flyers 4-3 on Patrick Kane’s overtime goal to end the series 4-2 in favor of Chicago.  The Star Ledger quoted Mike after the game when they asked if he was ready for a head coaching position.
“I’m ready. For sure I am,” said Haviland. “I spent a lot of years in the minors on a lot of teams that were successful. I’ve learned under Joel (Quenneville) for two years. I think you know when you’re read as a head guy.

“You go through these things, the conference final last year and the way it went this year. I feel confident I am ready.”

Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville said he expects Haviland will get his chance to lead an NHL team.

“I think so,” Quenneville said in the Star Ledger. “He’s technically excellent.”

There were 14 former minor league players who were on Mike Haviland teams who will get their names on this cup:

Bryan Bickell (48 GP, 2006-07), Dave Bolland (65 GP, 2006-07), Troy Brouwer (66 GP, 2006-07), Adam Burish (64 GP, 2006-07), Dustin Byfuglien (116 GP, 2005-06 – 2006-07), Corey Crawford (108 GP, 2005-06 – 2006-07), Jake Dowell (9 GP, 2006-07), Colin Fraser (145 GP, 2004-05 – 2006-07), Jordan Hendry (93 GP, 2005-06 – 2006-07),  Nikolas Hjalmarsson (55gp 2007-2008),  Danny Richmond (88 GP, 2005-06 – 2006-07), Brent Seabrook (3 GP, 2004-05), Jack Skille (9 GP, 2006-07), Kris Versteeg (27 GP, 2006-07).

Before becoming Blackhawks Assistant Coach Mike Haviland was the head coach of the Admirals from 2005-06 to 2006-07, winning the Louis A.R. Pieri Award as AHL Coach of the Year in 2006-07.  He coached at Rockford in 2007-2008 as the Hawks moved their AHL affiliate.

Congratulations Mike. Your Titan Family is very proud of what you have accomplished.  It was particularly moving to catch glimpse of Lori, the kids, and brother George celebrating on ice on both NBC and the VS Network.  It couldn’t have happened to a nicer family.  Enjoy the celebrations to follow!