VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (AP) - The Vancouver Canucks signed coach Alain Vigneault to a contract extension, ending speculation that the team’s playoff loss to Los Angeles might cost him the job.
“I am pleased to be signing this extension to continue as the head coach of such an outstanding organization,” Vigneault said. “I look forward to taking the next step with this franchise in bringing the Stanley Cup to Vancouver. I feel fortunate to be able to work with such a dedicated group of management, coaches and players in this great city I love.”
The Canucks have posted the NHL’s best regular-season record the last two seasons, but lost to Boston in the Stanley Cup finals last year and the Los Angeles in the first round this season.
“Alain has established himself as one of the premiere coaches in the National Hockey League,” Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said. “He has demonstrated a commitment to winning that has led to back-to-back Presidents’ Trophies and we are confident his dedication and hard work will continue to yield positive results.
“Alain has built a foundation of winning with this franchise and I feel he can continue to build on that foundation to achieve our ultimate goal.”
The 51-year-old Vigneault has guided the Canucks to a 287-155-50 record _ a club-record 63.4 winning percentage.
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