Brad McCrimmon was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on March 29, 1959, in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, Canada, and began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 1976.
McCrimmon was known for his defensive skills and physical play on the ice. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1979 and played for the team for three seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1982. He played for the Flyers for four seasons and was a key player in their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1985.
In 1987, McCrimmon was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he played for six seasons and won his first and only Stanley Cup championship in 1989. He then played for the Detroit Red Wings for three seasons before finishing his playing career with the Hartford Whalers in 1997.
After retiring as a player, McCrimmon became a coach and worked for several teams in the NHL and international leagues. He was an assistant coach for the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Detroit Red Wings. He also coached in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
Tragically, McCrimmon was killed in a plane crash in 2011 while serving as the head coach of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. The crash claimed the lives of the entire team and coaching staff, as well as several other members of the hockey community.
McCrimmon's legacy as a player and coach is remembered by his former teammates and colleagues, who speak highly of his dedication and passion for the game. He was known for his leadership skills and his ability to inspire his teammates and players to perform at their best. His contributions to the sport of hockey will always be remembered and celebrated.
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