The Sad Passing of a NHL Icon: Al McNeil Remembered
The National Hockey League (NHL) is mourning the loss of a legendary figure, Al MacNeil, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 89. MacNeil’s remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he played, coached, and managed multiple teams in the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL).
A Hall of Famer since 2014, MacNeil’s impressive credentials include three Calder Cup championships as head coach of the Nova Scotia Navigators, making him one of only seven coaches to have achieved this feat. He also won the Louis A. R. Pieri Award twice, recognizing him as the AHL’s outstanding coach.
MacNeil’s playing career began with the Rochester Americans in 1956 and eventually led to stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. After retiring from playing, he transitioned to coaching, serving as a player-coach for the AHL’s Montreal Voyageurs in 1969-1970. He played 66 games that season, leading the team to a league-best 43-15-14 record.
MacNeil’s coaching career flourished, with him being promoted to head coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 1970-71, leading the team to a Stanley Cup championship. He continued to coach in the NHL and AHL, amassing a remarkable 304-149-78 record in seven seasons as an AHL head coach. This impressive winning percentage of 0.646 is still the highest in AHL history.
Throughout his career, MacNeil worked with numerous talented players, including Hockey Hall of Famers Larry Robinson, Bob Gainey, Steve Shutt, and Guy LaPointe. His contributions to the sport are undeniable, and his legacy will be deeply missed by the NHL and its fans.
FAQs:
Q: What was Al MacNeil’s most notable achievement as a coach?
A: He won three Calder Cup championships as head coach of the Nova Scotia Navigators.
Q: What award did MacNeil win twice, recognizing him as the AHL’s outstanding coach?
A: He won the Louis A. R. Pieri Award twice.
Q: Which teams did MacNeil play for as a player?
A: He played for the Rochester Americans, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Conclusion:
Al MacNeil’s passing leaves a significant void in the world of hockey, but his remarkable achievements and contributions will be remembered for generations to come. He was a true icon in the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans alike. As the NHL mourns his loss, we reflect on the incredible impact Al MacNeil had on the sport, and we honor his memory by celebrating his numerous accomplishments and the countless moments of joy he brought to the game.
