Al MacNeil seen in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey Photo credit: Champions for Change : Powered by GOALLINE

Sad news coming out of the NHL today, as former Toronto Maple Leafs player and Calgary Flames head coach Al MacNeil has passed away at age 89.

The Calgary Flames announced that Al MacNeil, the longtime team executive and former head coach, died Sunday at age 89.

A four-time Stanley Cup champion, the influence of Al MacNeil on hockey stretched across decades and generations.

 

«Al was a great man who will be dearly missed by our organization,» said Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation Chairman Murray Edwards. «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. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Norma, son Allister, daughter Allison, son-in-law Paul Sparkes and grandsons Jack and Ben.»

«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,» said CSEC President and CEO Robert Hayes. «His reputation and experience allowed him to command the room with his advice and guidance. Al’s contributions will never be replaced.»

«The hockey world lost an icon today with the passing of Al MacNeil,» said Flames President of Hockey Operations Don Maloney. «’Chopper’ was a Stanley Cup champion and a Calder Cup champion but most importantly ‘he was our friend and mentor. We will sincerely miss his company and our conversations.»
A rugged defenseman in his playing days, MacNeil played 524 games in the NHL during the Original Six era with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers, along with being part of the first-ever Pittsburgh Penguins roster, before moving into coaching and management.

 

The legendary Canadiens general manager, Sam Pollock, realized during MacNeil’s time with the Penguins that he had potential off the ice and engineered a trade for his player rights simply to talk about future opportunities in coaching and management.

Another masterstroke by Pollock, as it paved the way for MacNeil’s remarkable post-playing career in the NHL.

A true “hockey lifer” and a man whose legacy will continue to live on, MacNeil lived a life steeped in the sport he loved. Rest in peace, Al!