Hockey Hall of Fame member Emile “The Cat” Francis, a longtime coach and general manager, died Saturday at age 95.
As a coach, Francis was 388-273-117 with the New York Rangers (1965-75) and St. Louis Blues (1976-77, 1981-83) and led his team to the Stanley Cup playoffs 11 times, reaching the final in 1972. The Rangers lost to the Boston Bruins in six games.
He was general manager of those teams, too — the Rangers from 1964-76, the Blues from 1976-83 — along with the Hartford Whalers (1983-89).
“The New York Rangers and the entire hockey world are saddened to learn of the passing of Emile Francis,” Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a team statement. “Emile’s passion and dedication to the Rangers organization and growing the game of hockey in New York City was second to none.
“‘The Cat’ was a true pioneer and innovator, as well as the architect and coach of some of the greatest teams in Rangers history. Emile has meant as much to the Rangers as any person who has been part of the organization throughout its history. Our thoughts are with Emile’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
A native of Canada, Francis was an NHL goalie, first with the Chicago Blackhawks (1946-48) and then the Rangers (1948-52). In 95 career games, he posted a 32-52-10 record and 3.75 goals-against average. He later toiled in the minor leagues before retiring in 1960.
Francis got his nickname while, as a junior hockey player, a sportswriter said he was “quick as a cat.”
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Emile Francis, a Hall of Fame coach and general manager whose infectious personality was as beloved as his hockey acumen was revered,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.
As he built the NHL teams in New York and St. Louis, he also expanded the sport on the local level, establishing junior leagues in both cities. In 1982, he was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builder category.
Francis remains the winningest coach in Rangers history with 342 victories. His teams included players such as Hall of Fame members Rod Gilbert, Brad Park and Jean Ratelle, and under his leadership, the team made the playoffs nine straight years and had three straight 100-point seasons.
–Field Level Media
