Mike Babcock knew he was taking on a challenging task when he became the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto media and fans have high expectations and have no problem driving people who don’t meet those expectations (Phil Kessel) straight out of town. Babcock has commented that he’s happy and excited for a new challenge, but he also admits he’s scared.
Via the Toronto Sun, Babcock commented on the task at hand and how he plans to handle the pressure.
“New is exciting. It scares the crap out of you, to be honest with you. And so, that gets you on your toes and gets you dialed in.
We’re an Original Six franchise that doesn’t hold our rightful place in the National Hockey league right now. We will.”
Though Babcock mentions that the role scares him, he seems to be fairly relaxed and confident heading into the year. That might change should things go south for the Leafs early on.
“The reality is, I’m the coach of this team. I’m not carrying the weight of the world on my back.
I’m going to go to work in the morning. I’m going to work as hard as I can. I’m going to go home to my family and then the next day I’m going to do it again. But if you think I’m carrying around the weight of the world, I didn’t do it when I coached Canada at the Olympics (and) I didn’t do it when I coached Detroit.
If you think you can evaluate me harder than I evaluate myself, you are missing the boat. That isn’t happening.”
Babcock has coached in some stressful, high-pressure situations, but few things compare to the scene in Toronto. Let alone the scene in Toronto should the fans and media turn against the coach.
Needless to say, the Maple Leafs will be a fascinating team to follow this season.
