Former NHLer, Stanley Cup-winning coach passes away at 80
Some sad news to report on in the hockey world on Saturday night as the New York Islanders have announced the passing of former player and Stanley Cup-winning assistant coach Bill MacMillan.
"The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player and Assistant Coach from the 1980 Cup team, Bill MacMillan. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire MacMillan family and friends." The Islanders said in a tweet.
MacMillan, a native of Charlottetown, PEI spent parts of seven seasons in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Flames and New York Islanders, recording 151 points (74 goals, 77 assists) and 184 penalty minutes in 446 career games. He went on to add 12 points in 53 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Following his playing career, MacMillan turned his attention to coaching and in his first season behind an NHL bench as an assistant in 1979-80, he helped the New York Islanders win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. MacMillan went on to become the head coach for the Colorado Rockies the following season. In 1982 when the Rockies relocated to New Jersey, MacMillan was named the first head coach in Devils history, spending two seasons with the team.
Our thoughts are with MacMillan's family and friends at this difficult time.
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Previously on Bladeofsteel
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![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530722.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
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![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530544.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530571.webp "Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images")
