Babcock Will Coach Canada in 2010

In another move that won't surprise too many people, Tim Wharnsby/Globe and Mail is reporting that Steve Yzerman is expected to name Red Wings coach Mike Babcock as the man who will steer Canada's 2010 Olympic hockey ship.

From Wharnsby:

Mike Babcock will be sworn in as the coach of the 2010 Canadian Olympic men's hockey team in Montreal this week.

...

Hockey Canada and everyone involved has been tight-lipped about the appointment, but a source confirmed last night that Yzerman will announce Babcock as the coach most likely on Thursday in a press conference to take place a few blocks from Montreal's McGill University, where Babcock played defence.

Can't say this is a big surprise, as Yzerman has been high on Babcock from the get-go. I'm guessing Babcock's ties to the Wings organization didn't hurt him much either.

However, there is still some speculation as to who his assistant coaches will be:

The only part of Yzerman's announcement that will be a surprise will be the assistant coaches. Babcock's assistants are expected to come from a group that includes Ken Hitchcock (Columbus Blue Jackets), Claude Julien (Boston Bruins), Lindy Ruff (Buffalo Sabres), Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators) and Randy Carlyle (Ducks).

Congratulations to Coach Babcock!