Brad May tells a story about Mike Babcock and defends him against his naysayers who don't believe he should get a second chance.
Former NHL winger Brad May appeared on The Raw Knuckles Podcast last week where he told stories about his time in the NHL, and stories about the coaches he played for, including Mike Babcock.
Former NHL-er and Co-host Tim Stapleton asked May how he felt about Babcock being back in the NHL. May said that he "talked to some Columbus Blue Jacket players, they're excited, here's the reason why they're excited-they're going to become better players. Babs is a hell of a coach, he's very prepared, maybe a little bit of an inability to connect to some of his players, and I'm sure over the last few years, there's a come to Jesus moment, where, hey I gotta treat people differently, the old school's out". He goes on to say that he's not surprised that Babcock is back.
Watch the full interview here
May also speaks to the fact that players, coaches, and people, in general, have the right to try to rehabilitate themselves and be better people. He says "If you do the steps necessary and you have the ability, are we all not looking for a second chance?" He goes on to say "If my answer was no, Mike Babcock shouldn't be a coach in the NHL ever again, that's the most ignorant thing to say, in my opinion".
He also tells a cool story about when Brad May played with the Detroit Red Wings and wanted to bring his 13-year-old son on the team’s annual Fathers’ trip. Watch the story in the video below at 39:20:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4nSwpOaY_Y[/embed]
Mike Babcock has both defenders and naysayers, and people in Columbus are anxiously awaiting for how this is going to turn out. So far, through interviews with Babcock, it sounds like he's turned over a new leaf and is starting anew. Players sound excited, fans are getting excited, and with only 51 days to go until opening night, it'll be here before we all know it.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.