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Return to HockeyTown... A Detroit Red WIngs BeaGM

Posted on August 18, 2015 at 05:47 PM.

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September 26, 2013

Ken Holland Steps Down as Wings� GM

Detroit MI- In an emotional press conference on Friday at Joe Lewis Arena, Red Wings General Manager, Ken Holland announced he had been diagnosed with stage 2 toe cancer and would be taking a leave of absence from hockey operations with the team.
�Really it wasn�t a difficult decision. I�ll be working with some of the best doctors in the world to improve my health and get back in the game.� Holland said. Holland has been with the franchise since 1983 and in that time the team has won four Stanley Cups, it is in part due to his leadership that the team hasn�t missed the playoffs since 1990. Holland also orchestrated the drafting of such current stars as Pavel Datsuyk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Niklas Kronwall.
�Ken is an amazing guy to work with. He�ll always tell you the truth, not necessarily what you want to hear. But in the business of hockey that�s the kind of leadership a franchise needs.� Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said when reached for comment.
�Mike�s health is the most important thing for all parties involved.� Mike Illitch, chairman of franchise owners Olympia Entertainment said on the matter. �We all look forward to his recovery and return to the front office.�
In the interim until Holland is able to return, Rick Watkins, assistant general manager since 2008 will step in. Watkins had the following to say; �Its and intimidating prospect to come in and try to take over for an executive as accomplished as Ken. But I�m excited to meet those challenges.�
The news comes at a difficult time for the team with just two weeks until the season begins with a game against Buffalo.