Former Canadian University coach and WHA Executive passes away at 83
Gilles Leger who held numerous roles in Canadian University hockey as well as the WHA. He has passed away at the age of 83.
The hockey world is in mourning with the recent news that former Canadian University and WHA coach Gilles Leger has passed away at the age of 83.
Leger's career began with St. Francis Xavier University where he was their head coach between 1967-1972. From there he moved on to the World Hockey Association. Leger was first appointed as an assistant coach with the Ottawa Nationals and then the Toronto Toros. Leger became the general manager of the Birmingham Bulls in 1976. He held the position until 1979. Leger was not only prominent behind the bench in the WHA. He held numerous front office jobs including the director of player development for the Quebec Nordiques from 1979-83. He was appointed the president of the Fredericton Express & Halifax Citadeals, both American Hockey League teams. He also held the same position with the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts. Later on, he served as a scout with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.
Losing anyone who has had a tremendous impact on the game the way Leger did is devastating. It is a testament that throughout his eighty-three years, he had a tremendous impact on many people, organizations, leagues and everyone associated with each club.
Those of us at Blade of Steel would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and to the numerous people he touched during his life.
| POLL | ||
Are you familiar with any of Gilles Leger's roles within hockey? | ||
| Yes. He was an icon | 6 | 10.9 % |
| No. I'm not familiar with him | 49 | 89.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
