Long-time NHL coach and player Pat Quinn died Sunday night. He was 71 years old.
According to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Quinn died at a Vancouver hospital after a lengthy illness. He had been serving as the Hall's chairman.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Quinn", said Hall of Fame vice chairman Jim Gregory in a statement Monday. "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."
Quinn played for nine seasons from 1968-77 as a defenseman with Toronto, Vancouver and the Atlanta Flames, posting 18 goals and 131 points in 606 games. He then made his mark as coach and an executive.
The Hamilton, Ontario native coached the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Canucks, Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, finishing a 20-year career with 684 wins in 1,400 games. He won the Adams Award as the league's top coach in 1980 and 1992.
Quinn led the 1980 Flyers and 1994 Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals, losing each time. He also guided the 2002 Canadian Olympic squad to a gold medal at the Salt Lake Games.
[SportsNetwork.com]
