Photo Credit: Vancouver Giants
Former player and well known hockey coach Pat Quinn has passed away after a battle with a lengthy illness.
The WHL team the Vancouver Giants announced the sad news Monday morning on behalf of the Quinn family. The co-owner of the Giants passed away Sunday night at Vancouver General Hospital.
"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."
Quinn began his junior career with the Hamilton Tiger Cubs and Hamilton Kilty B’s in the Ontario Hockey Association. Quinn turned pro in 1963-64 and was called up to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1968, making his NHL debut.
He then played two seasons in Vancouver and prematurely retired in 1977 after suffering an ankle injury. Quinn coached several NHL teams including with the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers and then moved on to become the General Manager and President of the Vancouver Canucks.
The 71 year old leaves behind two adult daughters, grandchildren and many family members. Those wishing to send messages of condolence are asked to either email patquinn@vancouvergiants.com or send mail to the Giants’ offices.
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