Hockey World Mourns the Loss of Al MacNeil, Stanley Cup Champion

A Legacy on and off the Ice: Al MacNeil (1934-2024)

Former NHL player, coach, and executive Al MacNeil has passed away at the age of 89. The Calgary Flames announced his death on Sunday in Calgary, without specifying the cause. MacNeil leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of hockey, marked by his contributions as a player, coach, and executive, including Stanley Cup victories with both the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames.   

• Al MacNeil, former NHL player, coach, and executive, has died at 89.   
• He had a long and impactful career in hockey.
• He won Stanley Cups with both Montreal and Calgary.

MacNeil's Playing Career

A Decade in the NHL as a Defenseman

Between 1955 and 1968, MacNeil played 524 NHL games as a defenseman for several teams:  

• Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Chicago Blackhawks
• New York Rangers
• Pittsburgh Penguins

He also played 61 games with the Montreal Canadiens' affiliate, Ste-Flanelle, in 1961-1962. His NHL career saw him accumulate 17 goals, 92 points, and 617 penalty minutes. 

• Played 524 NHL games as a defenseman. 
• Played for five different NHL teams.  
• Accumulated 92 points and 617 penalty minutes in his career.  

MacNeil's Coaching and Executive Career

Stanley Cup Success with the Canadiens

MacNeil's coaching career began with an assistant coaching position with the Canadiens in 1970-1971. He then took over as head coach during that same season, leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory with a 31-15-9 record in 55 games at the helm. He later served as the Canadiens' director of player personnel during their Stanley Cup wins in 1978 and 1979.

• Coached the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory in 1971. 
• Served as director of player personnel for two more Canadiens' Stanley Cup wins.  

Contributions to the Calgary Flames and Other Teams

MacNeil also played a key role with the Calgary Flames, serving as their assistant general manager during their 1989 Stanley Cup win. He also coached the Flames during their first two seasons after relocating from Atlanta and served as their interim head coach in 2002-03. Before his NHL coaching career, MacNeil coached the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, the Canadiens' farm team, to three Calder Cup titles (1972, 1976, and 1977). 

• Served as assistant general manager for the Calgary Flames' 1989 Stanley Cup win. 
• Coached the Flames during their first two seasons in Calgary. 
• Led the Nova Scotia Voyageurs to three Calder Cup championships. 

Tributes and Legacy

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement praising MacNeil's profound impact on hockey over 70 years, both on and off the ice, highlighting his professionalism, humility, and grace. The Montreal Canadiens also issued a statement expressing their sadness at his passing and offering condolences to his family.

• NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised MacNeil's contributions to hockey.
• The Montreal Canadiens offered their condolences.

Family and Survivors

Al MacNeil is survived by his wife, Norma; his son, Allister (a Flames scout); his daughter, Allison; and his son-in-law, Paul Sparkes, and his grandparents Jack and Ben Sparkes.

 (Source: NHL.com)