Career Coaching Record
NHL 1928-1947
Win-Loss
413–390
Win %
.514
Post Season
52–52
Championships
3
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Jack Adams
Career Overview
Jack Adams was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, coach, and general manager. He played for the Toronto Arenas from 1918 to 1921 and for the Vancouver Millionaires from 1921 to 1923. He was also the coach of the Detroit Cougars from 1927 to 1930 and the Detroit Red Wings from 1927 to 1947.
Adams was born in Fort William, Ontario, on February 1, 1894. He began his hockey career in 1914, playing for the Fort William Maple Leafs of the Thunder Bay Senior Hockey League. In 1918, he joined the Toronto Arenas of the National Hockey League (NHL). During his three seasons with the Arenas, he won his first Stanley Cup in 1918.
Adams then moved to the Vancouver Millionaires in 1921. He won the Stanley Cup again in 1922 and 1923 with the Millionaires. After his playing career ended, Adams became a coach. He was hired by the Detroit Cougars in 1927 and led them to two Stanley Cup Finals in 1929 and 1930.
In 1932, Adams was hired by the Detroit Red Wings and became the first general manager in NHL history. He built the team into a powerhouse, leading them to seven Stanley Cup championships between 1936 and 1955. Adams was also the first coach to win the Jack Adams Award, which is given annually to the NHL’s best coach.
Adams was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1959. He is remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NHL history and his legacy lives on in the Jack Adams Award.
