Al MacNeil, a previous NHL gamer and Stanley Cup- winning train, has actually passed away at age 89.
The Flames claimed in a news release Monday that MacNeil passed away Sunday inCalgary No reason of fatality was given.
MacNeil was an Original Six defenceman that played 524 NHL ready the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins in between 1955 and 1968.
He assembled 17 objectives, 75 helps and 617 fine mins throughout his gamer profession.
MacNeil, from Sydney, N.S., was a newbie head train of the Montreal Canadiens when the group won the Stanley Cup in 1971. MacNeil was Montreal’s supervisor of gamer workers for Stanley Cup wins in 1978 and 1979.
MacNeil won 3 Calder Cups as basic supervisor and head train of the Canadiens’ ranch group, the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, in 1972,1976 and 1977.
MacNeil was the last head train of the Atlanta Flames and the initial head train of the Calgary Flames for their initial 2 periods after moving. He was an assistant basic supervisor of the Flames for their Stanley Cup success in 1989.
“Al was a great man who will be dearly missed by our organization,” Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation chairman Murray Edwards claimed in a declaration. “He was a long-term loyal member of our Flames family ever since the team’s arrival in Calgary in 1980. He played, coached, and managed in both the NHL and AHL, and had ultimate success while doing so.”
MacNeil was additionally acting head train of the Flames for 13 video games in 2002-03.
He was an assistant train of Canada’s group that won the 1976 Canada Cup, and offered because duty once again at the 1981 Canada Cup.
“For the last 70 years, Al MacNeil’s impact on our game has been profound, both on and off the ice,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman claimed in a declaration.
“First as a player, then as a coach, and finally as an executive, Al was the consummate professional who conducted himself with humility and grace.”
MacNeil is endured by his spouse Norma, boy Allister, that is an amateur precursor for Flames, little girl Allison, son-in-law Paul Sparkes and grand sons Jack and Ben Sparkes.
“Having positively impacted every aspect of Flames hockey operations over the 44-year history of the franchise, Al will be remembered as a legend within the Flames family,” claimed CSEC head of state and chief executive officerRobert Hayes “His reputation and experience allowed him to command the room with his advice and guidance. Al’s contributions will never be replaced.”
Flames head of state of hockey procedures Don Maloney claimed the hockey globe “lost an icon” with MacNeil’s fatality.
“‘Chopper’ was a Stanley Cup champion and a Calder Cup champion but most importantly he was our friend and mentor,” Maloney claimed. “We will sincerely miss his company and our conversations.”
