Brian Burke on Monday was named executive vice president and general manager of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim by new owners Henry and Susan Samueli.
"This is a very exciting day for both Susan and I, along with the entire Mighty Ducks organization," said Henry Samueli. "From the moment we agreed to purchase the club, we found it vital to put together the best possible management team in order to succeed both on and off the ice. We believe that's been accomplished, culminating with the hiring of Brian Burke as executive vice president and general manager."
Burke, who had been part of TSN's hockey commentary team, was the president and general manager of the Vancouver Canucks from 1998-2004. Under his leadership, the team increased its point total four consecutive years from 1999-2003.
When asked by TSN about his plans to get the Ducks playing the up-tempo, attacking style that was typical of his Vancouver teams, Burke was optimistic, yet somewhat cryptic regarding defensive-minded head coach Mike Babcock.
Burke, discussing a Ducks team that scored one goal or less in 31 of 82 games in 2003-2004, emphasized that the team will play a more aggressive style. "Everyone in Canada knows this: I believe in up-tempo hockey."
"My first priority is to meet with Mike Babcock to see whether there is a philisophical fit there," Burke said. "I'm not sure there is, but I'm quite prepared to have that conversation. He's a bright guy and an intense guy."
Burke originally joined the Canucks in June, 1987 as vice president and director of hockey operations. He left the Canucks in 1992 to become general manager of the Hartford Whalers, before being named NHL senior vice president and director of hockey operations. While working at the NHL league office, Burke worked closely with Commissioner Gary Bettman on a wide variety of league issues and policies and was the NHL's chief disciplinarian.
Burke was born in New England and raised in Minnesota. He signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1977 as a player and was a member of the 1978 Calder Cup Champion Maine Mariners. Burke then returned to Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1981 before practicing law for six years in Boston.
"I'm very proud and enthusiastic to be joining the Ducks organization," said Burke. "My goals for the team are simple: have a consistent winning team on the ice and ensure we become an integral part of the Orange County community."