Toronto Maple Leafs Mourn the Passing of Legendary Beloved Former Player
The hockey world is mourning the loss of Al MacNeil who is a former NHL defenseman and legendary hockey executive who passed away at the age of 89.
As reported by Maple Leafs Daily, MacNeil played 70 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs across four seasons and left an enduring mark on the sport through his contributions as a coach and executive.
RIP Al MacNeil
Born in Sydney in Nova Scotia, MacNeil was a pioneer as the first Atlantic Canadian to coach an NHL team after captaining the Toronto Marlies to consecutive championships in 1955 and 1956.
He went on to play 524 NHL games for the Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
While MacNeil never lifted the Stanley Cup as a player, his impact off the ice was monumental.
He won hockey's most coveted trophy four times which was in 1971 as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, in 1978 and 1979 as the Canadiens' director of player personnel, and in 1989 as assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames.
MacNeil also excelled in the AHL by guiding the Nova Scotia Voyageurs to three Calder Cup championships in 1972, 1976, and 1977.
His coaching earned him AHL Coach of the Year honors in 1972 and 1977 and on the international stage, MacNeil was an important piece in Canada's victory in the 1976 Canada Cup as an assistant coach under Scotty Bowman.
A respected leader, Al MacNeil is remembered for his dedication and success in every role he held.
The Toronto Maple Leafs extend their deepest condolences to the MacNeil family and all touched by his extraordinary life and career.
Al MacNeil's legacy will remain a lasting part of hockey history.
