local
Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach following an investigation
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 23, 2026
· 5 min read
The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock on Tuesday, clearing the way for the polarizing taskmaster to coach his first NHL game in more than six years after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 stint in Columbus.Babcock is now in charge of trying to get Connor McDavi...
Key takeaway “He’s bringing experience and accountability," Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said at the league’s Board of Governors meeting.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
While the hiring of Mike Babcock as the Edmonton Oilers' coach may seem like a distant development to Alamo Heights residents, it bears watching for its potential impact on the local hockey community. As a suburb of San Antonio, Alamo Heights is home to many hockey fans who follow the sport closely, and the Oilers' decision to hire a coach with a polarizing reputation could spark lively debates among local enthusiasts. Moreover, the NHL's investigation into Babcock's past behavior and its decision to clear him for employment could have implications for how local youth hockey programs and leagues approach issues of player privacy and coach conduct. As the Oilers' season progresses, Alamo Heights residents may find themselves discussing not only the team's performance on the ice but also the broader questions about leadership and accountability that Babcock's hiring raises.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock on Tuesday, clearing the way for the polarizing taskmaster to coach his first NHL game in more than six years after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 stint in Columbus.Babcock is now in charge of trying to get Connor McDavi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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