CALGARY, Alberta — Al MacNeil, a notable figure in professional hockey and a former player who led the Montreal Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory as a coach, has passed away at the age of 89.
The Calgary Flames confirmed on Monday that MacNeil died the previous day in Calgary, although specific details regarding the cause of his death were not disclosed.
During his playing career, MacNeil was a defenseman who featured in 524 NHL games spanning from 1955 to 1968, representing teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Over those years, he tallied 17 goals, 75 assists, and accumulated 615 penalty minutes.
MacNeil made his mark as a coach during his inaugural season with the Canadiens when they clinched the Stanley Cup in 1971. Later, he served as Montreal’s director of player personnel during their championship triumphs in 1978 and 1979.
Throughout his career, MacNeil secured three Calder Cup championships as both the general manager and head coach of the Canadiens’ minor league affiliate, the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, claiming the titles in 1972, 1976, and 1977.
Originally from Sydney, Nova Scotia, MacNeil was the last head coach for the Atlanta Flames and became the first head coach of the Calgary Flames after their relocation, guiding them through their first two seasons. In addition to his coaching roles, he was an assistant general manager during the Flames’ Stanley Cup win in 1989.
Murray Edwards, chairman of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, expressed his condolences in a statement, noting, “Al was a great man who will be dearly missed by our organization. He had been a loyal member of the Flames family since the team arrived in Calgary in 1980. His contributions spanned playing, coaching, and managing in both the NHL and AHL, where he achieved great success.”
In the 2002-03 season, MacNeil briefly stepped in as interim head coach for the Flames, overseeing 13 games.
His coaching expertise also included being an assistant for Team Canada during their 1976 Canada Cup victory and again at the 1981 Canada Cup.
“NHL commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute to MacNeil, stating, ‘For the last 70 years, Al MacNeil’s impact on our game has been profound, both on and off the ice. First as a player, then as a coach, and finally as an executive, Al was the consummate professional who conducted himself with humility and grace.’”
Al MacNeil is survived by his wife, Norma, his son Allister, who works as an amateur scout for the Flames, his daughter Allison, son-in-law Paul Sparkes, and his grandsons Jack and Ben Sparkes.
