VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks honoured late player, coach and executive Pat Quinn in a pre-game ceremony Tuesday night.
A moment of silence was held for Quinn before the Canucks hosted the New Jersey Devils at Rogers Arena. In addition, a video tribute was played while Mark Donnelly sang “Danny Boy.” Fans showed their approval with a standing ovation.
Vancouver players sported “PQ” decals on their helmets and will display them for the rest of the season.
Quinn, who died at the age of 71 on Sunday in Vancouver following a long illness, was a defenceman with the original Canucks team that entered the NHL in 1970-71. He later served as the team’s president, general manager and coach between the late-1980s and late-1990s. Quinn guided the Canucks to Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final against the New York Rangers.
Quinn also coached the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1980 final and held coach and executive positions with the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers. Internationally, he guided Canadian Olympic, World Cup, world junior and under-18 teams to gold medals. Even after leaving the Canucks, he maintained strong ties with Vancouver. He had a home on the city’s north shore and held a minority ownership position with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.
The Canucks plan to hold a more extensive tribute for Quinn at a later date.
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