U of S honours NHL’s Mike Babcock

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock received an honourary law degree from the University of Saskatchewan on Thursday.

The product of Saskatoon was on hand for a ceremony as part of the U of S spring convocation for students.

In an address after being given his parchment, Babcock stressed to graduates the importance of taking the skills from post-secondary with them in life.

“You need to take that college pursuit with you into the rest of your life. That attitude, that curiosity — you need that to get where you want to go,” he said.

He also encouraged grads to keep developing good habits.

“When I say the word to you: ‘practice,’ you think of sport. Practice isn’t a sport thing, it’s a life thing. Practice good decisions. Practice being uncomfortable, practice discipline, practice being on time, practice doing it right,” he said.  

Babcock played for the U of S Huskies hockey team, then went on to graduate from McGill University. His career has seen him coach at the junior, university and NHL level.

Babcock is the only coach to win a Stanley Cup, world championship and an Olympic gold medal.