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Pat QuinnCoach of the Edmonton Oilers team
Date of Birth: 29.01.1943
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Life and Playing Career
- Minor League Career
- NHL Playing Career
- Coaching Career
- Los Angeles Kings
- Vancouver Canucks
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Edmonton Oilers
- International Coaching
Early Life and Playing Career
John Brian Patrick "Pat" Quinn was born on January 29, 1943, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Big Irishman," he began his hockey career with the Hamilton Tiger Cubs and Hamilton Kilty B's of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Upon graduating high school, Quinn joined the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Alberta-based Central Hockey League (AHL). In 1963, he helped the team win the Memorial Cup alongside future NHL player, coach, and executive Glen Sather.
Minor League Career
Quinn's professional career commenced in 1963, playing in various minor leagues such as the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), Central Hockey League (CHL), and Western Hockey League (WHL).
NHL Playing Career
In 1968, Quinn made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He spent two seasons with the team before joining the Vancouver Canucks in 1970. After two more seasons in Vancouver, Quinn became the captain of the Atlanta Flames.
Coaching Career
Philadelphia FlyersIn 1977, Quinn retired from playing due to an ankle injury. He became an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Flyers that same year, and later coached the Flyers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Maine Mariners. Quinn returned to the Flyers as head coach later that season.
Under Quinn's leadership, the Flyers embarked on a record-breaking 35-game unbeaten streak that culminated in their first Stanley Cup victory in 1980. However, they were defeated by the New York Islanders in six games in the Finals. Quinn was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the league's top coach. He remained with the Flyers for the next two seasons.
Los Angeles Kings
Quinn briefly left hockey to attend law school at Widener University. In 1984, he became the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
Vancouver Canucks
In December 1986, Quinn signed a contract to become the President and General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks for the 1987-88 season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Quinn relocated to Toronto in 1997 to coach the Maple Leafs. In his first season, the team made significant strides, becoming the first 100-point team in Maple Leafs history. Quinn guided the Maple Leafs to three more 100-point seasons during his tenure.
Edmonton Oilers
After a three-year hiatus from the NHL, Quinn was hired as Head Coach of the Edmonton Oilers on March 26, 2009.
International Coaching
Quinn coached the Canadian team at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, where they won their first Olympic gold since 1952, defeating Team USA 5-2. At his first NHL game following the Olympics, he received a standing ovation from the Montreal crowd. Two years later, Quinn led Team Canada to victory in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, winning 6-0.
In 2006, Quinn was selected to coach Team Canada in defense of their gold medal at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics. However, Canada fell short and lost to Switzerland, Finland, and Russia. He remained as coach for the 2005-06 season, leading Canada to another Spengler Cup victory.
Two years later, Quinn began coaching junior hockey, guiding Canada to victory at the 2009 World Junior Championship with a record fifth straight gold medal, defeating Sweden in the final.
