NHL Community Mourns Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn, former NHL Player, coach and executive, has died. Quinn died in Vancouver at the age of 71 after a long illness as reported by the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants on Monday.

Quinn has served a role in almost every aspect of the NHL. He played nine seasons as a defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Atlanta Flames before retiring, playing 606 career games.

After his playing career, Quinn went on to coach for a total of 20 years for five different teams, which included a trip to the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals with the Vancouver Canucks, who eventually lost to the New York Rangers. In addition to coaching for five different NHL teams, the legendary coach led Team Canada to the 2002 Olympic gold medal.

The loss of such a prevalent figure in the hockey community is felt by everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. Upon learning of Quinn’s death, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement saying, “Whether he was playing for a team, coaching a team or building one, Pat Quinn was thoughtful, passionate and committed to success. Pat’s contributions to hockey, at every level, reflected the skills he possessed and the great respect with which he treated the sport.”

Quinn was living in Vancouver at the time of his death, where he was co-owner of the WHL Vancouver Giants. He also acted as chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame. “Pat is one of hockey’s most respected individuals,” said Hall of Fame vice chairman Jim Gregory. “His lifetime involvement as a player, coach and executive has made an indelible mark on the game.”