McGill grad Burnett expects Hay back for semifinal

By Chris O' Leary

(courtesy Postmedia News)

CALGARY —  George Burnett, an assistant coach with the Canadian national junior team, was asked on Monday about the possibility of his stepping in behind the bench on Tuesday when Canada plays Russia its semifinal game at the Scotiabank Saddledome, with head coach Don Hay and assistant Scott Walker absent with the flu.

“It’s not something that’s been discussed,” Burnett said. “I don’t expect it to be something we have to concern ourselves with.

“I know Don’s a battler, and I expect you’ll see him behind the bench (on Tuesday).”

Burnett was a teammate with current Detroit Red Wings head coach, Mike Babcock when both were with the McGill University Redmen, a program that has produced more than its share of elite coaches.

McGill grad Real Paiement (Canada’s head coach in 1998) also coached the national junior team. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher and his assistant, Martin Raymond, are also McGill grads.

“There’s a fairly long list of guys,” Burnett said. “Way back, Bryan Murray (Ottawa Senators general manager).

“So, it’s been interesting to see the number of people that got into coaching from that program and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

(from the Edmonton Journal)

With files from John MacKinnon and Kristen Odland

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