CHICAGO (AP) - Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville was in stable condition Wednesday after being admitted to a hospital with an undisclosed illness.
Quenneville, who led Chicago to the Stanley Cup last season, started feeling discomfort at his home late Tuesday, went to an emergency room and was admitted early Wednesday morning.
“He is currently in stable condition and is being treated for an undisclosed health concern today, not of cardiac nature,” team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a release. “Further testing is ongoing and we will provide an update when possible.”
The 52-year-old Quenneville is 125-66-25 in three seasons with the Blackhawks. He ranks 10th in NHL history with 563 regular-season wins and is one of only two men to coach at least 1,000 games and play 800 in the league.
“We certainly wish Joel a speedy recovery and we will do everything possible to support him and his family throughout the process,” general manager Stan Bowman said in the team release.
Assistant Mike Haviland was the acting coach for Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild, the opener of a three-game homestand for the slumping Blackhawks.
The Wild entered with 65 points, tied with Los Angeles for ninth in the compact Western Conference and three points ahead of Chicago.
Haviland said the Blackhawks are concerned about Quenneville, but are focused on the matchup with the Wild.
“These guys are professional and we know what’s at hand here,” he said after the morning skate.
Minnesota lost 4-1 to Vancouver on Tuesday night, but has won 13 of its past 19 games. Chicago has dropped six of eight, including its past two in shootouts.
“Anytime you hear someone is in the hospital, I think it’s definitely scary news,” said forward Patrick Kane, one of a handful of Blackhawks bothered by flulike symptoms but expected to play against Minnesota.
“But I think more importantly, we can go out there and hopefully get a win for him tonight and hopefully make him happy where he is.”
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