MacTavish Named Oilers' Coach

NHL teams

"I really have a sense of the tradition that has become the Edmonton Oilers and I really feel a responsibility to carry out that tradition," said MacTavish.

MacTavish, the eighth coach in Oilers' history, succeeds Kevin Lowe, who was elevated to general manager after the departure of Glen Sather to the New York Rangers last month.

"The style of play is going to be aggressive Oiler-style hockey," MacTavish said. "I don't think any other style of play is going to be tolerated by anybody, including the general manager. And certainly the fans that have grown accustomed to that exciting fast-paced hockey."

MacTavish was the last helmetless player in the NHL. After retiring in 1997, he was an assistant for the New York Rangers for two seasons before taking over the same job under Lowe in Edmonton.

"I couldn't be happier that it is here in Edmonton," MacTavish said. "The one thing that I want to stress and emphasize is the fact that I feel that I'm inheriting a good, quality team."