Emile Francis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emile Francis |
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| Hockey Hall of Fame, 1982 (Builder) | |||
Francis with the New York Rangers, 1973
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| Born | September 13, 1926 North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | February 19, 2022 (aged 95) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) | ||
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb) | ||
| Position | Goaltender | ||
| Caught | Left | ||
| Played for | Chicago Black Hawks New York Rangers |
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| Playing career | 1943–1960 | ||
Emile Percival Francis (born September 13, 1926 – died February 19, 2022) was a Canadian ice hockey legend. People called him "The Cat" because he was so quick! He was a player, a coach, and a general manager in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Emile played as a goaltender for the Chicago Black Hawks and New York Rangers from 1946 to 1952. After his playing days, he became a very important person behind the scenes. He worked as a general manager for the Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Hartford Whalers from 1964 to 1989.
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Emile's Early Life and Hockey Start
Emile Francis was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, on September 13, 1926. His father passed away when Emile was only eight years old. His mother, Yvonne Francis, raised him.
An uncle taught Emile how to play ice hockey. He loved the game from a young age. When he was 16, he joined the Canadian military. But after World War II ended, he decided to return to hockey. He also played baseball and even managed a team. He felt this helped him learn how to work with people.
Playing Career: "The Cat" on Ice
Emile began his professional hockey career in 1943. He earned his famous nickname "the Cat" in 1945. A sportswriter said he was "quick as a cat" while playing for the Moose Jaw Canucks.
In 1946, he joined the Chicago Black Hawks in the NHL. He played 73 games for them over two seasons. Emile was known for using a special catching glove. It was designed like a baseball first baseman's glove. He believed it was better for goalies' hands. This type of glove later became common in hockey.
In 1948, Emile was traded to the New York Rangers. He played for them for four years. He also spent a lot of time playing for New York's minor league teams. He finished his playing career in 1960.
Becoming a Coach and Manager
After retiring as a player in 1960, Emile Francis started coaching. He first coached the Guelph Royals junior team. Two years later, he joined the New York Rangers as an assistant general manager.
In 1964, Emile became the Rangers' general manager. A year later, he also took on the coaching job. He coached the Rangers for ten seasons. During this time, his teams made the playoffs every year! They even reached the 1972 Stanley Cup Finals.
In 1976, Emile left the Rangers and joined the St. Louis Blues. He became their general manager and executive vice president. He even coached the Blues for two short periods. Emile helped find a new owner for the team when they had money problems.
Later, in 1983, Emile moved to the Hartford Whalers. He worked as their general manager until 1988. Then he became the team president until 1993.
Later Life and Awards
Even after retiring, Emile Francis continued to support junior hockey. He helped young players in New York and St. Louis.
His amazing contributions to hockey were recognized with many awards:
- In 1982, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This is a huge honor for people who have made a big impact on the sport.
- He also received the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1982. This award celebrates contributions to hockey in the United States.
- In 2015, he was given the Wayne Gretzky International Award.
Emile's Family Life
Emile met his wife, Emma, in Saskatchewan. They were married for 68 years until she passed away in 2020. They had two sons, Bobby and Rick.
Bobby Francis followed in his father's footsteps. He became a head coach for the Phoenix Coyotes and won the Jack Adams Award in 2002. Rick worked as a vice president for the Hartford Whalers.
Emile Francis passed away on February 19, 2022, at the age of 95. He left behind a great legacy in the world of ice hockey.
Images for kids
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Francis with the New York Rangers, 1973
See also
In Spanish: Emile Francis para niños
