Brad McCrimmon, Canadian ice hockey player and coach (d. 2011)

Byron Brad McCrimmon, often known simply as Brad McCrimmon, was a formidable presence in the world of ice hockey, carving out a distinguished career as both a gritty defenceman and a respected coach. Born on March 29, 1959, in Plenty, Saskatchewan, Canada, McCrimmon was celebrated for his defensive prowess and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the sport until his untimely and tragic passing on September 7, 2011.

A Stalwart on the Ice: McCrimmon's Illustrious Playing Career

McCrimmon’s journey through the National Hockey League (NHL) was extensive, spanning nearly two decades from 1979 to 1997. Over these years, he graced the ice for six different franchises, accumulating an impressive total of over 1,200 games. His early career saw him with the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers, where he established himself as a reliable, tough-nosed defenceman.

However, it was with the Calgary Flames that McCrimmon truly reached the zenith of his playing career. During his impactful tenure, he was recognized for his exceptional two-way play, earning a coveted spot as a second team All-Star in the 1987–88 season. His stellar performance that year also saw him participate in the prestigious 1988 NHL All-Star Game and, remarkably, win the Plus-Minus Award with an outstanding league-leading total of +48. This award, a testament to a player's positive on-ice impact, underscored his importance to the Flames. The pinnacle arrived in 1989 when McCrimmon played a crucial role in helping the Flames secure their only Stanley Cup championship, a crowning achievement for any hockey player.

Beyond his time in Calgary, McCrimmon also lent his talents to the Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, and Phoenix Coyotes before concluding his playing career. His legacy as a shutdown defenceman is further solidified by his career plus-minus rating of +444. This remarkable figure stands as the 10th highest total in NHL history and, notably, is the highest among all players not yet enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, a testament to his consistent and significant contributions to his teams' success over many years.

Transition to the Bench: Coaching and Leadership

Following his storied playing career, Brad McCrimmon seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing his vast experience and keen understanding of the game to a new generation of players. His coaching journey began in the NHL as an assistant with the New York Islanders, where he helped guide the team from behind the bench.

Seeking to further develop his leadership skills, McCrimmon then took on the role of head coach for the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades for two seasons between 1998 and 2000. This experience allowed him to cultivate his own coaching philosophy and lead a team directly. After his stint in junior hockey, he returned to the NHL as an assistant coach, first with his former team, the Calgary Flames, then moving on to the Atlanta Thrashers, and finally the Detroit Red Wings. In these roles, he was instrumental in developing defensive strategies and mentoring young talent, often working with some of the league's top defencemen.

A Tragic End to a Promising Chapter

In 2011, McCrimmon embarked on a new, exciting chapter in his coaching career, accepting the prestigious head coach position for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Russia's premier hockey league. This move represented a significant step, allowing him to take the reins of a major professional team and implement his vision on an international stage. However, this promising new role was tragically cut short. Brad McCrimmon never had the opportunity to coach a regular season game for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. On September 7, 2011, the team's plane crashed en route to their first game of the season, killing McCrimmon along with most of the team and crew. The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash sent shockwaves through the global hockey community, marking one of the sport's darkest days and an immense loss of talent and life.

Brad McCrimmon is remembered not just for his statistics or his Stanley Cup ring, but for his character, his dedication, and his enduring love for the game of hockey. His legacy as a player and coach continues to inspire, while his tragic passing serves as a somber reminder of life's fragility.

FAQs About Byron Brad McCrimmon

Who was Byron Brad McCrimmon?

Byron Brad McCrimmon (March 29, 1959 – September 7, 2011) was a highly respected Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and coach. He had a long and distinguished career in the NHL and later transitioned into coaching.

What teams did Brad McCrimmon play for in the NHL?

Brad McCrimmon played for the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, and Phoenix Coyotes during his NHL career.

Did Brad McCrimmon win a Stanley Cup?

Yes, Brad McCrimmon was a key member of the Calgary Flames team that won their only Stanley Cup championship in 1989.

What was Brad McCrimmon's coaching career like?

After retiring as a player, McCrimmon served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders, Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Red Wings. He was also a head coach for the WHL's Saskatoon Blades and, tragically, for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the KHL.

How did Brad McCrimmon die?

Brad McCrimmon tragically died on September 7, 2011, in a plane crash along with most of his team, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, as they were en route to their first KHL game of the season.