Habs mourn the passing of former player and head coach, Al MacNeil
A few hours before their game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Montreal Canadiens organization as well as the rest of the NHL and the hockey world learnt a sad news regarding former player and head coach, Al MacNeil.
In fact, the native from Syndey in Nova Scotia passed away yesterday, at age 89. The NHL proceeded to make a statement regarding this sad news:
The organization of the Calgary Flames also posted on their social media regarding the passing away of Al MacNeil. The Habs have yet to make a statement.
MacNeil was a tough defenseman. He played a total of 524 games in the NHL, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Montreal Canadiens, the Chicago Blackhawks, the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He cumulated 92 points during his career, scoring 17 goals.
He became an assistant coach in 1970-71 for the Montreal Canadiens before being promoted as head coach that same season. The rookie coach ended up leading the Habs to the Stanley Cup, as they won the in game 7th against the Chicago Blackhawks.
After his time with the Habs, MacNeil went to coach the Montreal Voyageurs in the AHL for six seasons, winning three championships in that span.
He, then, went to coach the Atlanta Thrashers before going as head coach of the Calgary Flames in 1980-81.
During his coaching career, MacNeil had the opportunity to coach players such as Guy Lafleur, Jean Béliveau, Henri Richard and Serge Savard.
He's part of the few head coaches who won the Stanley Cup championship with the Montreal Canadiens organization, which is an important achievement.
We present our deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of M. MacNeil.
