Coyotes replace Gretzky with Dave Tippett
(by ANDREW BAGNATO | The Associated Press)
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)— Hours after Wayne Gretzky resigned as coach, the Phoenix Coyotes introduced Dave Tippett as his successor on Thursday.
The 48-year-old Tippett spent the last six seasons as coach of the Dallas Stars, compiling a 271-162-59 record.
The Stars made the playoffs each of his first five seasons. But the team missed the postseason last spring, and Tippett was fired by new Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk in June.
Tippett was introduced to the media after leading his first Coyotes practice at Jobing.com Arena.
The Coyotes are mired in a contentious bankruptcy court fight over the sale of the financially troubled club. They open the regular season Oct. 3 at Los Angeles.