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

PUBLICATION

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

SHARE THIS STORY

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.

POLL
JANVIER 6 \| 1483 ANSWERS Former Canadiens Player and Stanley Cup-Winning Head Coach Al MacNeil Passes Away at 89 I offer my condolences to the family of Al MacNeil
I offer my condolences to the family	1483	100 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson (8) plays the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

5 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

Canadiens Reportedly Received a Surprise Call About Mike Matheson, Hughes Faces a Big Decision

8 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

Habs Prospect Jacob Fowler Drops a Major Hint About His Future, And Fans Will Love It

Jan 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Emil Heineman (51) celebrates with teammates after his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

11 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

Canadiens Announce Major Reinforcements Ahead of Must-Win Game Against the Senators

Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) looks on against Team Sweden in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

Connor McDavid Rejects Surprise Offer from His Coach After Returning from Team Canada

Photo of Patrice Bergeron and Sidney Crosby

14 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

An Incredible Moment Between Sidney Crosby and Patrice Bergeron Surfaced After Canada's Win

Feb 9, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine (92) skates during the warmup period before the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

16 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

Martin St-Louis Responds to Patrik Laine's Criticism With a Major Lineup Change

Jan 31, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk (7) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) exchange blows at the en of the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson

Arber Xhekaj Reveals His Plan to Handle Brady Tkachuk Tonight, Things Are About to Get Heated

20 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson