The Flames sadly announced the passing of long-time executive Al MacNeil on January 5, 2025, at the age of 89.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of long-time Flames executive and former head coach Al MacNeil.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 6, 2025
Al passed away at the age of 89 years, on Jan. 5, 2025, surrounded by his family in Calgary: https://t.co/4KV9YBjYwA
You will be so missed, Chopper. Rest in peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8JVVh6PS1B
The long-time executive served as the Flames head coach for three seasons, from 1979 to 1981, before being promoted to assistant general manager.
MacNeil began coaching as an assistant with the Montreal Canadiens in 1970 after a 14-year professional career as a defender. He was quickly promoted to head coach mid-season and won the Stanley Cup in 1971 as a rookie head coach.
After the Championship, he joined the Canadiens’ farm team, the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, where he served as head coach for six seasons and won three Calder Cups before returning to the Canadiens.
After winning two more Cups as the Director of Player Personnel for the Canadiens in 1978 and 1979, MacNiel was hired by the Atlanta Flames.
Time with the Flames
McNeil was the head coach during the final season of the Atlanta Flames before the team relocated to Calgary.
He continued in that role for two more seasons before being promoted to director of player development and professional scouting in 1982 followed by in 1985 with the promotion to assistant general manager.
In 1989, MacNeil won his fourth championship with the Calgary Flames, the team that won the Stanley Cup that year, against the club where he began his coaching and executive career.
He continued his role with the Flames until 2006 and even had a brief return to the bench during the 2001-02 season, stepping in for two games after Greg Gilbert was suspended for his involvement in a brawl in a game against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
He stepped in again the following season as interim head coach for 11 games before the hiring of Darryl Sutter.
In 306 games as head coach in his career, MacNiel had a record of 138 wins, 113 losses, and 55 ties.
Al MacNeil passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family in Calgary. He will be forever missed by the Flames community.
Thank you, Chopper, for bringing a Stanley Cup to Calgary. Rest in peace.
