Boston – Tom McVie, a prominent figure in the world of hockey, has passed away at the age of 89. He is best remembered for leading the Winnipeg Jets to the World Hockey Association (WHA) championship in 1979, where they triumphed over Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers in a historic finals showdown before the teams became part of the National Hockey League (NHL).

McVie was the first head coach for the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL and served as the second coach for the New Jersey Devils following their move from Colorado in 1982. Over his coaching career, he managed the Washington Capitals as well, totaling an NHL record of 126 wins, 263 losses, and 73 ties across almost eight seasons from 1975 to 1992.

Born in Trail, British Columbia, McVie joined the Boston Bruins as an assistant coach in 1992. He later added his name to the Stanley Cup as a team ambassador when the Bruins clinched the championship in 2011. Cam Neely, the president of the Boston Bruins, expressed deep affection for McVie, noting that he was a significant member of the Bruins family and served in various capacities—coach, scout, and ambassador—for over three decades. Neely described McVie’s unique personality and wit, stating that his presence brightened every room he entered and that he will be greatly missed.

McVie took on his first NHL head coaching role on New Year’s Eve in 1975, succeeding Hall of Famer Milt Schmidt in Washington. However, he struggled to achieve a better ranking than fourth place before moving to the WHA. Joining the Jets, he coached a team that included the legendary Bobby Hull at 40 years old, leading them to capture the 1979 Avco World Trophy.

The Winnipeg Jets paid tribute to McVie, acknowledging his crucial role in the team’s history. They noted he was the last coach to secure the Avco Cup in the WHA, as well as the inaugural coach in the franchise’s NHL history. They highlighted how McVie’s remarkable personality, voice, and extensive knowledge of hockey played a significant part during the team’s transition from the WHA to the NHL, enhancing the legacy of the hockey franchise as it stepped onto the national stage. The Jets expressed their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends following his passing.

In a conversation with the Boston Globe after joining the Bruins, McVie expressed his enthusiasm for being involved in hockey. He humorously remarked, “If I wasn’t coaching hockey, then I’d probably be driving the Zamboni.” His devotion to the sport has left a lasting imprint within the hockey community.