Births on April 27

Keith Magnuson, Canadian ice hockey player and coach (d. 2003)

Keith Arlen Magnuson, born on April 27, 1947, in Wadena, Saskatchewan, was a formidable Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman whose career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanned a decade from 1969 to 1979. A true icon of the Chicago Black Hawks, Magnuson was more than just a player; he was often described as the heart and soul of his team, embodying an era of hockey defined by grit, passion, and unyielding toughness. His legacy, tragically cut short on December 15, 2003, continues to resonate with fans who remember his fierce dedication to the game and his unwavering commitment to his teammates.

A Formidable Presence on the Ice

Early Life and Collegiate Success

Before he ever laced up skates in the competitive world of the NHL, Magnuson honed his skills and established a winning reputation at the University of Denver. There, he became a two-time All-American, a testament to his exceptional talent and burgeoning leadership qualities. Magnuson played a pivotal role, captaining his collegiate team to remarkable success and guiding them to two consecutive NCAA titles in 1968 and 1969. This collegiate dominance not only showcased his ability to perform under pressure but also laid a robust foundation for his impending professional career, highlighting his leadership and winning mentality on the biggest stages of amateur hockey.

An NHL Career Defined by Grit and Leadership

Upon joining the National Hockey League in 1969, Keith Magnuson immediately became an indispensable fixture on the Chicago Black Hawks' blue line, proudly wearing the iconic number 3 jersey throughout his entire 589-game NHL career. While his offensive statistics might seem modest—with 14 goals and 125 assists for a total of 139 points—they only tell a fraction of his comprehensive story. Magnuson's true value lay in his role as a quintessential stay-at-home defenceman and, more famously, as one of the league's most respected and feared enforcers. His impressive 1,442 career penalty minutes, accumulated through countless bone-jarring checks and memorable fighting majors, eloquently underscored his unwavering commitment to protecting his teammates and setting a physical tone against opponents. This combative yet deeply loyal spirit immensely endeared him to the Chicago faithful, who consistently celebrated his fearless and no-nonsense approach to the game, making him a true fan favorite. For several seasons, Magnuson’s immense leadership qualities were further recognized with the prestigious captaincy of the Black Hawks, a distinct honor that highlighted his profound influence both on and off the ice. His prominence within the league and the broader sports landscape was notably acknowledged when he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in April 1970, a significant achievement for a young player early in his career. He was also selected to play in the prestigious National Hockey League All-Star Game in both 1971 and 1972, further confirming his status as one of the league’s top defensive players and a significant presence. Although a coveted Stanley Cup championship ultimately eluded him, Magnuson nevertheless led his team to the finals twice, in 1971 and 1973. Both times, they valiantly fell short to the storied Montreal Canadiens in memorable series that profoundly showcased the intense rivalry and high stakes of that classic hockey era, leaving a lasting mark on the sport's history.

Beyond the Rink: Family and Legacy

The Magnuson name boasts a strong and enduring lineage in professional sports, extending beyond Keith’s own celebrated career. He was the great uncle to Major League Baseball pitcher Trystan Magnuson, and the uncle to former Canadian Football League player Quinn Magnuson. Continuing this impressive family tradition of athletic and academic excellence, Keith’s son, Kevin, was a member of the University of Michigan’s 1998 NCAA Ice Hockey Championship team. Today, Kevin Magnuson has carved out his own successful path as a respected NHLPA registered player agent and a practicing lawyer, carrying forward a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and achievement that mirrors his father's commitment.

A Tragic End

Keith Magnuson's vibrant life came to a tragic and untimely end on December 15, 2003, when he was killed in an automobile accident that occurred in Vaughan, Ontario. In a somber and widely reported turn of events, fellow NHL alumnus Rob Ramage was driving the vehicle at the time. Ramage survived the accident but was subsequently found guilty of impaired driving causing death, a devastating conclusion to the life of a beloved hockey figure whose impact on the game and his community remains deeply cherished.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keith Magnuson

Who was Keith Magnuson?

Keith Arlen Magnuson was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played his entire NHL career with the Chicago Black Hawks from 1969 to 1979. He was renowned for his physical style of play, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his team.

What was Keith Magnuson's playing style like?

Magnuson was primarily known as a tough, physical, stay-at-home defenceman and one of the league's most effective enforcers. He accumulated significant penalty minutes (1,442 career PIM) due to his willingness to fight, deliver hard checks, and protect his teammates, which made him an iconic figure and a fan favorite in Chicago.

Which NHL team did Keith Magnuson play for?

He played his entire NHL career, encompassing 589 games, exclusively for the Chicago Black Hawks, where he proudly wore jersey number 3.

Did Keith Magnuson ever win a Stanley Cup?

No, Keith Magnuson never won a Stanley Cup. He reached the Stanley Cup Finals twice with the Black Hawks, in 1971 and 1973, but his team was defeated on both occasions by the formidable Montreal Canadiens.

What was Keith Magnuson's collegiate background?

Prior to his NHL career, Magnuson was a highly successful collegiate player at the University of Denver. There, he earned two All-American honors and captained his team to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1968 and 1969, showcasing his early leadership and winning capabilities.

How did Keith Magnuson die?

Keith Magnuson tragically died in a fatal automobile accident in Vaughan, Ontario, on December 15, 2003. The vehicle he was in was driven by fellow NHL alumnus Rob Ramage, who survived the incident but was subsequently found guilty of impaired driving causing death.