The Calgary Flames have introduced the passing of the crew’s first coach and former crew government, Al MacNeil.
MacNeil, who performed 524 video games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Pittsburg Penguins, had his identify engraved on the Stanley Cup 4 instances.
He received his first Cup as a rookie head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 1971 and third and fourth NHL championships because the crew’s Director of Participant Personnel in 1978 and 1979.
MacNeil’s identify was engraved on the trophy for a fourth time because the Assistant Normal Supervisor of the Calgary Flames’ 1989 Stanley Cup profitable crew.
Head Coach Al MacNeil of the New Montreal Canadiens follows the motion from the bench on the Montreal Discussion board in 1970. MacNeil received his first Stanley Cup as head coach of the Canadiens in 1971. (Picture by Denis Brodeur through Getty Photographs).
Picture by Denis Brodeur through Getty Photographs
In a press release issued on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, the Flames say MacNeil handed away Sunday on the age of 89 years surrounded by his household in Calgary.
“Al was an amazing man who shall be dearly missed by our group,” mentioned Calgary Sports activities and Leisure Company Chairman Murray Edwards.
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“He was a long-term loyal member of our Flames household ever for the reason that crew’s arrival in Calgary in 1980. He performed, coached, and managed in each the NHL and AHL, and had final success whereas doing so.”
“The hockey world misplaced an icon immediately with the passing of Al MacNeil,” mentioned Flames President of Hockey Operations Don Maloney. “‘Chopper’ was a Stanley Cup champion and a Calder Cup champion however most significantly ‘he was our pal and mentor.”
“Al shall be remembered as a legend inside the Flames household,” mentioned CSEC President and CEO Robert Hayes. “His fame and expertise allowed him to command the room together with his recommendation and steerage. Al’s contributions won’t ever get replaced.”
MacNeil was the pinnacle coach of the Calgary Flames for the crew’s first two seasons within the metropolis, following the transfer from Atlanta.
He additionally received the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup championship 3 times with the Nova Scotia Voyagers, was named American Hockey League Coach of the 12 months two instances, in 1972 and 1977, and was inducted into the American Hockey League Corridor of Fame in 2014.
MacNeil was an assistant coach with Crew Canada, profitable the 1976 Canada Cup, and an assistant coach of the 1981 Canada Cup crew.
He received two Memorial Cups with the Toronto Marlboros in 1955 and 1956.
Al MacNeil, seen right here with the Chicago Blackhawks, considered one of 5 NHL groups he performed for, was often known as a rugged defenceman who has his identify engraved on the Stanley Cup 4 instances as a coach and crew government.
Picture by Lee Balterman /Sports activities Illustrated through Getty Photographs
Following his teaching profession, MacNeil remained a member of the Flames hockey operations for a few years, and made a quick return as interim head coach for 13 video games within the 2002-2003 season.
He’s survived by his spouse Norma who he was married to for 58 years, son Allister who’s a scout for the Flames, daughter Allison, son-in-law Paul Sparkes and grandsons Jack and Ben.
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