Music: {allcanada} Longtime NHL coach Pat Quinn dies at 71

Monday, November 24, 2014

{allcanada} Longtime NHL coach Pat Quinn dies at 71

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Pat Quinn, who spent time as an NHL player, coach and general manager in six different decades, has died at the age of 71.

"This is a tremendous loss for the hockey community," said Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. "Pat will be revered not only for his great accomplishments in sport but also for his courage and strength in face of his illness, and his dedication to family."

In Canada, Quinn's top accomplishment might have been coaching Team Canada to the 2002 Olympic gold medal, ending a 50-year drought.

As an NHL coach, he reached the Stanley Cup Final twice with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980 and the Vancouver Canucks in 1994.

He also helped Canada win the 2004 World Cup as coach. He was named NHL coach of the year in 1980 and 1992. In 1980, he led the Flyers to a record 35-game unbeaten streak.

Most recently, Quinn was chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame and it was the Hall of Fame that issued the statement confirming Quinn's death. Quinn was too ill to attend last week's inductions.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Quinn", said Jim Gregory, the Hall's vice chairman. "Pat is one of hockey's most respected individuals whose lifetime involvement as a player, coach and executive has made an indelible mark on the game, and our thoughts and prayers are with Sandra and all of Pat's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."

The Hall of Fame news release stated that Quinn had suffered from a lengthy illness, but offered no details except to say he died Sunday night at Vancouver General Hospital.

Quinn started his NHL career as a defenseman for the Maple Leafs in 1968-69, and his last NHL job came as the Edmonton Oilers coach in 2009-10.

He also coached the Flyers, Kings, Canucks and Maple Leafs.

While general manager of the Canucks, he drafted Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden. He was also general manager in Toronto.

"I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for Pat. He was a great leader and always a teacher," Linden said. "He taught me how to be a professional on and off the ice. He taught me how to play hockey the right way, how to win, and about the importance of respect and loyalty."

Quinn was an old-school hockey guy that players enjoyed. He was also a law school graduate.

"Whether he was playing for a team, coaching a team or building one, Pat Quinn was thoughtful, passionate and committed to success," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Pat's contributions to hockey, at every level, reflected the skills he possessed and the great respect with which he treated the sport. The National Hockey League, one of the many organizations to benefit from his devoted service, sends heartfelt condolences to Pat's loved ones and his many friends around the hockey world."