local
Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach following an investigation
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 The Piney Point
While the hiring of Mike Babcock as the new coach of the Edmonton Oilers may seem like a distant development to Piney Point Village residents, the implications of his appointment could have a ripple effect on the local hockey community. As a prominent figure in the NHL, Babcock's coaching style and reputation may influence the way local youth hockey programs and coaches approach the sport. With the Oilers being a popular team in the Houston area, including Piney Point Village, fans may be eager to see how Babcock's experience and championship pedigree will impact the team's performance. Additionally, the controversy surrounding Babcock's past behavior and coaching methods may spark conversations among local hockey enthusiasts about the importance of player well-being and respectful coaching practices. As the Oilers' season progresses, Piney Point Village residents who follow the team will be watching to see how Babcock's leadership will shape the team's success.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
Get more The Piney Point stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter