Randy Carlyle Signs Contract Extension With Anaheim Ducks

On Wednesday, the Anaheim Ducks announced they have signed head coach Randy Carlyle to a two-year extension. Carlyle had one year remaining on his original contract and is now the Ducks’ bench boss through the 2010-2011 season.

Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“In our view, Randy is one of the top coaches in the NHL,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke in the Ducks press release. “We’ve had an aggressive, hard-working club each of the past three years, largely due to his influence. He’s clearly been paramount to our success since taking over the reins.”

Carlyle was named the seventh head coach in the team’s history on August 1, 2005. In 2007, Carlyle led the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup championship, Pacific Division championship, and a franchise-record three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Only the Detroit Red Wings, Stanley Cup champions this past season have matched the Ducks playoff success since Carlyle has taken over behind the bench.

He has the most wins and highest winning percentage in Ducks history, compiling a 138-74-34 record for 310 points in 246 career NHL games (.630 winning percentage). 

“Working in Orange County for owners such as the Samueli’s is a privilege, and I’m honored to be able to continue representing the Ducks,” said Carlyle in the press release. “I’m thankful for the great relationship I have with Brian Burke and our hockey staff and expect more success in the future. We fell short of our goal last year and it’s time for us to respond.”

Carlyle is more than just a coach; he is the life blood of the team. His passion and hard-nosed style get carried onto the ice by his players, who over the past two seasons have become one of the most physically bruising in the NHL.

In Carlyle’s first season in 2005-06, he helped lead the Ducks to the Western Conference Finals, but in his second season, Carlyle and the Ducks would become the first California team to win the Stanley Cup.

In his third year with the Ducks this past season, Carlyle helped the Ducks achieve their second consecutive 100-point season. Before Carlyle, the team had never held such regular season success.

For a guy that never really smiles, his fans and the team have a lot to smile about today after locking up such a successful coach.

For more news on the Anaheim Ducks or any other Pacific Division team be sure to check out Battle of the Pacific, a collaboration of Bleacher Report writers discussing their favorite teams in a blog forum.

Original Source: Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks website

Image: Courtesy of one of the greatest Ducks wallpapers I have ever seen