Keane played his junior hockey in Winnipeg in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) before leaving Winnipeg for Moose Jaw of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Throughout his professional hockey career Keane has never been a point per game player. His highest total in a season in the NHL was 60. He is a player, though, that every coach will tell you is invaluable.
His passion for the game and willingness to do whatever it takes to win didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates in the American Hockey League (AHL). The players in Manitoba named him their captain after he was there only two weeks.
“It’s a great honor to be named captain. Anytime your teammates and coaches acknowledge you it’s an honor.” Keane says.
“I just go out there and try to lead by example by doing all the little things that will make the team successful. That could be blocking shots or killing penalties, it’s all about knowing what your role is and going out there and doing it.”
Keane has made a living out of doing those things.
“I’m not a very vocal person in the locker room because every player is different and reacts to situations differently. I just try to play my game and if something is needed to be said, I’ll say it.”
As a three time Stanley Cup Champion, Keane doesn’t need to be vocal to command respect from rising young talent in the AHL. His experience speaks for itself.
Mike captained one of the most storied franchises in hockey history the Montreal Canadiens. He has played in numerous game sevens and overtimes. It seemed, when the game was on the line, that he was on the ice. The question is: Can he bring his major league experience an attitude to bear on a Calder Cup championship for the Manitoba Moose?
“I’ve still got the fire and I still love battling every night. I haven’t even thought about retirement. I love playing hockey and coming to the rink every day and until that changes I will continue playing.”
After sixteen seasons in the NHL, having as much success that Keane has taken the transition to the AHL in stride.
“The biggest difference between the two leagues is the ages. In the AHL, experience plays a pretty big role because this is where a lot of teams send their players to develop and see if they have what it takes to be an NHL player. There are a lot more mistakes during the games, so I try to just go on the ice, keep the game simple and lead by example.
The Moose are currently 12-12-3-2 and are in third place in the North Division. In spite of injuries and call ups to the Canucks, Keane has been impressed with his latest team.
“We’ve played pretty well so far. There are a lot of young guys who because of call ups or injuries have been put in and performed very well.”
“It’s a long season, but every game is a big game and we need every win so that we can get to the playoffs for the chance at the Calder Cup.”
After three Stanley Cups, you might wonder what drives Keane for the chance to hold the Calder Cup.
“It’s what you play hockey for. No matter what level of sports that you play, you want to be a champion, and with a chance to do it in my hometown in front of family and friends, I don’t think it could get much better than that.”
With Mike Keane leading the Moose both by talent and reputation, a championship may not be far away. In due time, his middle name may be “Calder.”
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