Forbes Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forbes Kennedy |
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| Born | August 18, 1935 Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada |
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| Died | May 25, 2026 (aged 90) | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | ||
| Weight | 150 lb (68 kg; 10 st 10 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Chicago Black Hawks Detroit Red Wings Boston Bruins Philadelphia Flyers Toronto Maple Leafs |
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| Playing career | 1956–1970 | ||
Forbes Taylor Kennedy (born August 18, 1935 – died May 25, 2026) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL), which is the top professional ice hockey league in North America, for five different teams. His career spanned from 1956 to 1969. During his time in the NHL, he played 603 games, scoring 70 goals and making 108 assists, for a total of 178 points. He also spent 888 minutes in the penalty box, showing he was a very competitive player. In the 1968–69 season, Forbes Kennedy had the most penalty minutes in the entire NHL. After he stopped playing, Kennedy became a coach for many years.
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Forbes Kennedy's Hockey Journey
Early Life and Playing Style
Forbes Kennedy was born in Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada, and grew up in Prince Edward Island. Even though he was not a very tall or heavy player (he was 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 150 pounds), he was known for being a tough player. He often spent a lot of time in the penalty box during games because of his competitive spirit.
Time in the NHL and Other Leagues
Kennedy played for several teams during his career. He spent some time with the San Francisco Seals in the WHL, which was another professional league. This team later moved and became the California Seals, joining the NHL.
One notable moment in his playing career happened during the 1969 Stanley Cup playoffs. During a game in Boston, a big play involving his teammate led to a very intense situation on the ice. Forbes Kennedy became involved in several disagreements with other players and even a game official. This led to him being removed from the game and receiving a significant suspension. After this event, his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs team came to an end.
Life After Playing Hockey
Coaching Career
After his playing days were over, Forbes Kennedy started a long and successful career as a coach. He began coaching in the 1969-70 season with the Cape Breton Metros in a junior hockey league. He also coached the Halifax Junior Canadians.
Later, he coached the Summerside Crystals in the PEI Junior Hockey League. For a short time, he tried to play again with the Los Angeles Sharks in the WHA, another professional league. However, injuries prevented him from continuing as a player. So, he returned to coaching, working with the Winston-Salem Polar Twins in the Southern Hockey League. Forbes Kennedy eventually moved back to Prince Edward Island and coached junior hockey teams there for many years.
Honors and Legacy
On January 16, 2012, Forbes Kennedy was honored by the Summerside Western Capitals team in the Maritime Junior Hockey League. They held a special "Forbes Kennedy Night" to celebrate his contributions. He received a plaque to recognize his great service to the team, where he coached from 2004 to 2007.
Forbes Kennedy passed away on May 25, 2026, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a dedicated player and coach in the world of ice hockey.
