The hockey community is in mourning today due to the passing of a legend. Hall of Famer Pat Quinn passed away at the age of 71 due to a long illness. He was a player, coach and executive during his long career. He was a defenseman who played 606 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Atlanta Flames. Though he never won the Stanley Cup he did win the Memorial Cup, junior hockey’s top prize, while playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings in 1963. He coached 1400 games in the NHL and won 684 while coaching the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Canucks, Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. The 684 wins is fifth all-time.
Quinn won the Jack Adams award as best coach twice and was General Manager of the Canucks and Maple Leafs. Quinn also led Canada to the 2002 Olympic gold medal, ending a fifty year drought. He was also behind the bench when the Flyers went on a 35 game unbeaten streak during the 1979-80 season. Quinn was a popular guy who was also one of the smartest hockey guys and impacted the lives of many players. His impact has been felt at all levels of the hockey community and it is indeed a sad day for all hockey fans.