Ken McKenzie was a Canadian ice hockey player and executive who had a long and successful career in the sport. He began his career as a player in the 1930s, playing for various teams in the minor leagues before joining the Boston Bruins in 1940. McKenzie played for the Bruins for two seasons before enlisting in the Canadian military during World War II.
After the war, McKenzie returned to hockey as a coach and executive. He coached several minor league teams before becoming the general manager of the Boston Bruins in 1954. As general manager, McKenzie was responsible for building the Bruins into a championship team in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
McKenzie was known for his shrewd scouting and player evaluation skills. He was instrumental in drafting several key players for the Bruins, including Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. He also made several key trades that helped the Bruins win two Stanley Cup championships in 1970 and 1972.
In addition to his work with the Bruins, McKenzie was also involved in the development of hockey in the United States. He helped to establish the United States Hockey League in the 1940s and was a key figure in the growth of youth hockey programs in the Boston area.
McKenzie was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997 in recognition of his contributions to the sport. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 83.
Overall, Ken McKenzie had a long and successful career in hockey as both a player and executive. He was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to build championship teams. His contributions to the sport continue to be felt today, particularly in the development of youth hockey programs in the United States.
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