John Muckler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Muckler |
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Muckler in 1971
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| Born | April 13, 1934 Midland, Ontario, Canada |
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| Died | January 4, 2021 (aged 86) Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
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| Coached for | Minnesota North Stars Edmonton Oilers Buffalo Sabres New York Rangers Ottawa Senators Phoenix Coyotes |
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| Playing career | 1949–1963 | ||
| Coaching career | 1962–2000 | ||
John Muckler (born April 13, 1934 – died January 4, 2021) was a famous Canadian ice hockey coach and team executive. He spent over 50 years working in professional hockey. John Muckler was a player, assistant coach, head coach, and even a general manager for several teams.
He is best known for helping the Edmonton Oilers win five Stanley Cup championships. The Stanley Cup is the top award in professional ice hockey. Muckler was a part of these wins in different important roles.
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Who Was John Muckler?
John Muckler was born in Midland, Ontario, Canada, in 1934. He grew up in Paris, Ontario. Before becoming a coach, Muckler played ice hockey himself. He was a defenceman, which is a player who helps protect the team's goal. He played in minor leagues for 13 seasons. Most of his playing career was in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).
Starting His Coaching Career
Muckler began coaching in 1959. He was a player and a coach at the same time for the New York Rovers in the EHL. For the next 20 years, he worked behind the scenes for teams like the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, and Vancouver Canucks.
During this time, he briefly coached the North Stars in 1968–69. He also led minor league teams to many wins and championships. Because of his success, The Sporting News magazine called him the best coach in minor league hockey in 1979.
John Muckler and the Edmonton Oilers
In 1981, John Muckler joined the Edmonton Oilers team. This was where he became very famous.
Winning the Stanley Cup
Muckler started as an assistant coach with the Oilers. He worked under head coach and general manager Glen Sather. Together, they led the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup in 1984 and 1985.
After the 1985 season, Sather started sharing his coaching duties with Muckler. Muckler was named the assistant head coach. They won two more Stanley Cups in 1987 and 1988.
In 1989, Glen Sather stopped coaching. John Muckler was then promoted to head coach. He led the Oilers to win their fifth Stanley Cup in just seven years in 1990. This was a huge achievement for the team and for Muckler.
After the Oilers: Buffalo and New York
In 1991, Muckler left the Oilers. He was hired by the Buffalo Sabres team.
Working with the Buffalo Sabres
Muckler first became the director of hockey operations for the Sabres. Soon after, he also became the team's head coach. He coached the Sabres for four seasons. In 1993, he also took on the role of the Sabres' general manager.
In 1994, Muckler was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award. This award is given to the best coach in the NHL. In 1995, he stopped coaching to focus only on his job as general manager. For the 1996–97 season, The Sporting News named him "NHL Executive of the Year." However, he was later fired by the Sabres in 1997.
Coaching the New York Rangers
Muckler's last coaching job was with the New York Rangers. He was their head coach from 1998 to 2000. Over his career, he coached in more than 2,000 professional games in different roles. He also helped coach Team Canada to win the Canada Cup tournaments in 1984 and 1987.
General Manager for the Ottawa Senators
In June 2002, John Muckler joined the Ottawa Senators as their general manager. This was a very successful time for the team.
The Senators reached the Stanley Cup finals in 2007. However, they lost to the Anaheim Ducks in a five-game series. Even with this success, the Senators fired Muckler on June 18, 2007. Bryan Murray took over his role.
Muckler later worked as a senior advisor for the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008.
Death
John Muckler passed away in Buffalo on January 4, 2021, at the age of 86. He was survived by his wife, Audrey, their four children, and nine grandchildren.
See also
In Spanish: John Muckler para niños
