Former Canucks head coach Pat Quinn dies at age 71

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver Giants co-owner Pat Quinn passed away last night at VGH after a lengthy illness.

He was 71 years old.

Quinn was the Canucks’ GM and head coach for many years, including through the team’s 1994 Stanley Cup run.

The Giants made the announcement of his passing this morning.

“Words cannot express the pain we all feel today for the Quinn family,” said Giants majority owner Ron Toigo. “Pat was an inspiration to all of us. He always said that respect was something that should be earned, not given, and the respect that he garnered throughout the hockey world speaks for itself. He will be sorely missed.”

“He was like a father figure to a lot of hockey players. Anyone that’s met him and talked to him and been around him… he was someone that we all looked up to and wanted to be like. It’s a sad day,” says former Canuck Cliff Ronning.

“He is the type that gave everyone an opportunity. He believed in you and he made you believe in yourself,” he adds.

Concern and an outpouring of support was expressed last week when Quinn, whose health had been in decline the past year, missed the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Quinn had a nine-year playing career before becoming a coach and then GM. He was responsible for drafting superstar Pavel Bure.

A native of Hamilton, Ont., Quinn coached 20 seasons in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. He reached the playoffs 15 times and the Stanley Cup Final twice, with the Flyers in 1980 and the Canucks in 1994.

“We have lost a great man. It’s a sad day for hockey and for everyone who loves our game. On this difficult day I am thinking about Pat, his family and his friends, and how much he will be missed,” says Canucks President Trevor Linden, who played for the team under Quinn’s leadership.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for Pat. He was a great leader and always a teacher. He taught me how to be a professional on and off the ice. He taught me how to play hockey the right way, how to win, and about the importance of respect and loyalty,” says Linden.

“Pat’s impact on our city has been immeasurable. He was responsible for bringing hockey to the forefront in Vancouver. He brought the pride back to the Canucks and today his finger prints and impact are still felt within this organization,” he adds.

“I had him as my coach and GM in Vancouver,” says Sportsnet analyst and former Canuck Garry Valk. “Vancouver lost me after my third year with the Canucks due to the expansion draft to the Ducks… My career was pretty much over at 30 years old. I was going to go to the Swiss league and play.”

“He calls me up and goes, ‘Why are you not in Toronto’s camp?’ I’m like, ‘Nobody invited me.’ He said, ‘Well, get down here.’ Next day, I’m on a plane and I go down there. A day after that, I was playing in front of 18,000 people in an exhibition game. So, right from beer-league hockey to that… I played an extra five years. If that call didn’t come from Pat, obviously, my career would have been much shorter,” he tells us.

He was a two-time winner of the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of year, with the Flyers in 1980 and the Canucks in 1992.

Quinn also coached Team Canada to gold medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the 2008 IIHF World Championships and the 2009 World Junior Championships. He also led Team Canada to the World Cup title in 2004.

Prior to his decorated coaching career, Quinn played 606 NHL games as defenceman for the Maple Leafs, Canucks and Atlanta Flames. Quinn won a Memorial Cup with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 1963.

In 2012, he was honoured with the Order of Canada.

Condolences have been pouring in on Twitter from current and former players, as well as others who worked closely with Quinn.

 

 

The Quinn family is asking for privacy.

Those wishing to send messages of condolence are asked to either email patquinn@vancouvergiants.com or send mail to the Giants’ offices at the address listed below.

Pat Quinn
Vancouver Giants
100 North Renfrew Street
Vancouver, BC
V5K 3N7