‘WE LOVED HIM’

From his decision to start Ken Dryden to his handwritten scouting reports and notes, Al MacNeil made an enduring mark on the game and its community

BY STEVE MACFARLANE

WITH HIS NAME ETCHED on the Stanley Cup four times and a reputation as one of the game’s greatest minds, Al MacNeil has a legacy that transcends generations. Known as ‘Chopper’ to the hockey world, MacNeil left a lasting mark on the sport as a player, coach and executive – but he’ll always be remembered most profoundly as a mentor and pillar of the Calgary Flames franchise. MacNeil, known in his many roles for his grit, wisdom and unwavering dedication to the game he loved, died at 89 Jan. 5, 2025, surrounded by family in Calgary. MacNeil was a constant within the Flames organization for more than four decades – arriving with the Atlanta Flames as that franchise’s final coach before its relocation to Calgary in 1980. As the first bench boss in…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Rookie Issue 2025

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