In statement on the team website, Crawford writes that he has been “investing in intensive therapy with the hope of understanding the depths of my own mental health.”
The Lions are the reigning champions of the National League, the top team in Switzerland. They are in first place this season, with a 22-5-2 record. Lausanne is percentage points behind, at 21-8-3.
“This decision is a source of sorrow for him, as he can no longer support the team and the organization,” Leuenberger continued. “At the same time, we as a club deeply regret this development, but fully understand and have great respect for his courageous step.”
Crawford, 63, was in the third season of his second tour with the Lions. He was with the Lions from 2012-16, and was Auston Matthews’ coach when he played there.
Crawford was the Canucks’ coach from 1999-2006, guiding the team during the West Coast Express era. He’s second in regular season wins (246) as a Canuck coach, trailing only Alain Vigneault (313). Crawford’s son Dylan, 34, is currently Vancouver’s video coach.
Crawford won a Stanley Cup in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche and was head coach of the Canadian Olympic team at Nagano 1998.
Crawford was suspended for one Lions game in Feb. 23 by the National League while under investigation for yelling a homophobic remark at a referee.
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