Former Canadiens Player and Stanley Cup-Winning Head Coach Al MacNeil Passes Away at 89

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Elias Adaime
January 6, 2025 (4:14 PM)

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We have some sad news to announce regarding a former member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Al MacNeil, who was a notable figure in the rich history of the Canadiens, has sadly passed away at the age of 89 in the past few hours.

MacNeil, who was a rugged defenseman, played for Montreal, notably during the 1961-1962 season, where he recorded 74 penalty minutes (8 points) in 61 games.

In his NHL career, he accumulated 617 penalty minutes (92 points) over 524 games.

He also played and coached simultaneously with the Montreal Voyageurs during the 1969-1970 season.

And see the official statement from the National Hockey League on this matter:

Al MacNeil, an important figure for the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames

«Al won his first Stanley Cup as the rookie Head Coach of the Montreal Canadiens in 1971, his second and third Cups as the Director of Player Personnel for the Canadiens' in their 1978 and 1979 Stanley Cup victories, and his fourth as the Assistant General Manager of the Calgary Flames' 1989 Stanley Cup winning team..»

Calgary Flames

4x Stanley Cup winner:
1971 - Montreal Canadiens Head Coach
1978 and 1979 - Montreal Canadiens Director of Player Personnel
1989 - Calgary Flames Assistant GM
3x Calder Cup winner.
2x Memorial Cup winner as player.
2x AHL Coach of the Year, first coach of the Calgary Flames.

A hockey life well lived, indeed.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

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