Hamilton-born NHL coach Pat Quinn dead

(Updated) The hockey world and the city of Hamilton have lost a legend.

Pat Quinn, a former NHL player, coach and general manager died last night at Vancouver General Hospital. He was 71 years old.

According to his family, Quinn was battling a long-term illness. There were concerns when Quinn was unable to attend the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony earlier this month.

Many remember his hit against Bobby Orr in 1969, including former referee Bill Friday. “On the ice he would hit anything that had the opposite sweater on. He didn’t care; he was just a big tough Irishman.”

Friday says while Quinn was a force on the ice, it was his legacy behind the bench that many will remember.

“More for his coaching at the world level with the juniors world cup and that’s where he made his mark, really.”

Quinn led the Canadian team to Olympic gold in Salt Lake City, ending a 50-year drought. He also won the Jack Adams Award as the league’s top coach.

In a statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman he says “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 a co-owner of the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, but it was his time in Hamilton that many remember.

Quinn grew up in the city’s east end. His street was renamed Pat Quinn Way to honour him.

“I’m glad that we have some streets, some places named after him because he has done a lot for Canada, being the coach of Team Canada and he will be missed by millions.”

Quinn played over 600 games as a defenceman in the league. But many residents say it was his job as the longtime bench boss of the Toronto Maple Leafs that they remember most.

“Basically he’s the last coach to coach the Leafs to a playoff series win, so that’s pretty significant for a fan.”

Quinn’s family is asking for privacy at this time.

CHCH’s Jeyan Jeganathan is getting local reaction to the death of Quinn; he’ll have that tonight on the Evening News at 6.

Image: The Lavin Agency