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Longtime NHL Coach, Ambassador Passes Away At 89

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 7:54 PM ET

Tom McVie, a former NHL coach and Boston Bruins ambassador, died at age 89.

The Bruins confirmed their longtime scout's passing in a statement shared Monday afternoon.

"The entire Boston Bruins organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom McVie," Bruins president Cam Neely said. "Tom was a huge part of our Bruins family, having served as coach, scout and ambassador for more than 30 years. His hockey mind, colorful personality, gruff voice, and unmatched sense of humor livened up every room he entered, and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and many loved ones."

A former minor league player, McVie began coaching the Washington Capitals during the 1975-76 season.

"The Washington Capitals are deeply saddened by the passing of former head coach Tom McVie and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this challenging time," the Capitals wrote. "...[McVie] made significant contributions during the franchise’s early years and will forever be part of our history."

McVie led the Winnipeg Jets to the World Hockey Association's Avco Cup Championship in 1979 before steering the franchise into the NHL.

WINNIPEG, MB - OCTOBER 22: Coach Tom McVie of the Winnipeg Jets alumni walks on to the field for the 2016 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic Alumni Game at Investors Group Field on October 22, 2016 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images

"Coach McVie was an historical figure in Winnipeg’s pro hockey history as the coach of the last team to ever win the Avco Cup in the World Hockey Association, as well as the first coach in the team’s National Hockey League history back in 1979," the Jets wrote on social media. "Tom’s personality, voice, and knowledge of the game transcended his title and time in our city as the team made the transition from the WHA to the NHL. His ability to tell a story only added to the legend of the hockey club’s arrival on the big stage."

McVie took the New Jersey Devils to two playoff appearances in three seasons. They won 38 games during the 1991-92 season, his last as an NHL head coach.

The Bruins hired him as a special assistant in 1992. They won the Stanley Cup in 2011 and have made eight straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final.

Our condolences go out to McVie's loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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