Remembering Tom McVie: A Hockey Legend’s Legacy
In the world of hockey, few names resonate with the same blend of nostalgia and respect as Tom McVie. On January 20, 2025, the hockey community mourned the loss of this iconic figure, who passed away at the age of 89. McVie, a name synonymous with the grit and passion of the sport, left an indelible mark on the ice and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Born in Trail, British Columbia, McVie’s journey through the hockey world was nothing short of legendary. He is perhaps best remembered for leading the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship, triumphing over Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the final year before the franchises were absorbed into the NHL.
McVie’s coaching career was as diverse as it was impactful. He was the Jets’ first coach in the NHL and later became the New Jersey Devils’ second coach after their move from Colorado in 1982. His coaching repertoire also included a stint with the Washington Capitals. Over parts of eight seasons from 1975-92, McVie compiled an overall NHL record of 126-263 with 73 ties.
In 1992, McVie joined the Boston Bruins as an assistant coach, a role that would eventually see him become a cherished team ambassador. His contributions to the Bruins were recognized when he got his name on the Stanley Cup as part of the 2011 championship team. Boston president Cam Neely, whose playing career overlapped with McVie’s coaching tenure, fondly remembered him, saying, “Tom was a huge part of our Bruins family, having served as coach, scout, and ambassador for more than 30 years. His hockey mind, colorful personality, gruff voice, and unmatched sense of humor livened up every room he entered, and he will be dearly missed.”
McVie’s NHL head coaching debut came when he succeeded Hall of Famer Milt Schmidt in Washington on New Year’s Eve in 1975. Although he never finished higher than fourth before heading to the WHA, his time with the Jets was marked by the memorable 1979 Avco World Trophy win, with a roster that included the legendary 40-year-old Bobby Hull.
True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Tom McVie.
Coach McVie was an historical figure in Winnipeg’s pro hockey history as the coach of the last team to ever win the Avco Cup in… pic.twitter.com/OFGynPHnCI
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 20, 2025
The Winnipeg Jets paid tribute to McVie, acknowledging his pivotal role in the team’s history. “Coach McVie was an historical figure in Winnipeg’s pro hockey history as the coach of the last team to ever win the Avco Cup in the World Hockey Association, as well as the first coach in the team’s National Hockey League history back in 1979,” the Jets posted on X. They further praised his personality, voice, and knowledge of the game, which transcended his title and time in the city.
McVie once told The Boston Globe after joining the Bruins organization in 1992 that he was proud to be a hockey lifer. “If I wasn’t coaching hockey,” he said, “then I’d probably be driving the Zamboni.”
His influence extended beyond the NHL, as he also coached in the AHL for New Jersey, working for the then-Utica Devils. The team, now known as the Utica Comets, honored him in a social media post, calling McVie “a legend of the sport and our community,” and adding that “Tom was an outstanding leader, and an incredible human being.”
- Coached Winnipeg Jets to 1979 WHA championship
- First NHL coach for the Jets
- Second coach for New Jersey Devils
- Assistant coach and ambassador for Boston Bruins
Tom McVie’s legacy is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering love for the game of hockey. His contributions to the sport and the lives he touched will be remembered for generations to come.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
