Flames announce the passing of a franchise icon

The Calgary Flames have announced that long-time team executive and former head coach Al MacNeil has passed away at age 89.

A four time Stanley Cup champion, MacNeil was a "hockey lifer" whose impact on the game spanned multiple generations. 

I mean... just look at this list of accomplishments:

“Al was a great man who will be dearly missed by our organization,” said Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation Chairman Murray Edwards. “He was a long-term loyal member of our Flames family ever since the team’s arrival in Calgary in 1980. He played, coached, and managed in both the NHL and AHL, and had ultimate success while doing so. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Norma, son Allister, daughter Allison, son-in-law Paul Sparkes and grandsons Jack and Ben.”

“Having positively impacted every aspect of Flames hockey operations over the 44-year history of the franchise, Al will be remembered as a legend within the Flames family,” said CSEC President and CEO Robert Hayes. “His reputation and experience allowed him to command the room with his advice and guidance. Al’s contributions will never be replaced.”

“The hockey world lost an icon today with the passing of Al MacNeil,” said Flames President of Hockey Operations Don Maloney. “‘Chopper’ was a Stanley Cup champion and a Calder Cup champion but most importantly ‘he was our friend and mentor. We will sincerely miss his company and our conversations.”

Before his career as a coach and an executive, MacNeil was a tough defenseman who played 524 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers during the Original Six era and was an inaugural member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In fact, it was during his time with the Penguins when legendary Canadiens head coach Sam Pollock recognized MacNeil's potential as a coach and executive so he traded for his rights as a player just to talk business with him. Another genius move by Pollock that set the stage for MacNeil's illustrious post-playing career in the NHL.

Talk about a hockey life well lived. Rest in Peach, Mr. MacNeil.