Los Angeles: The Columbus Blue Jackets kept faith with their head coach Todd Richards yesterday, giving him a one-year contract extension through the 2014-15 National Hockey League season.
Richards, 46, has led the Blue Jackets to a 42-38-9 record in 99 games, including a 24-17-7 mark and a franchise-best .573 winning percentage in the 2012-13 season.
The club tied for eighth in the Western Conference last season with 55 points, ending their campaign on an impressive 19-5-5 run.
“We believe Todd is one of the top young coaches in our game and he has had a steadying influence on our team since taking over as head coach in January 2012,” Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement.
“The hard work put in by Todd and our coaching staff has been a big reason for our team’s improved play and we are excited that he will continue to serve as our head coach.”
Meanwhile, ice hockey fans thronged Chicago yesterday to celebrate the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup championship with a parade to a boisterous rally at the lakeside park where President Barack Obama marked his historic election victory five years back in 2008.
A sea of red-clad fans stretched through Grant Park from Lake Michigan, with the gleaming city skyline as the backdrop on a bright summer day. Fans lined the route as the players paraded on double-decker buses from their home arena at the United Center to the rally. AGENCIES
