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Former Oilers coach, Bruins defenceman Ted Green dies at 79

steven psihogios
Ted Green, Boston Bruins' defenseman (right) looks up at Boston Garden 14,000 fans who applaude him during ceremonies honoring him. Looking on are Ted's wife Pat (2nd right), his mother Mrs. John Green, and one of Ted's children, Chris. The Bruins defenseman was honored for his amazing comeback from a head injury which kept him from playing a year. (Getty Images)

Former Boston Bruins defenceman and Edmonton Oilers head coach Ted Green died at at the age of 79, the Oilers confirmed in a statement Saturday.

Green was a member of Boston’s blueline from 1960-1972, although he did not compete during the 1969-70 season due to a skull fracture he suffered during the 1969 preseason. Appearing in 620 NHL games, the St. Boniface, Manitoba native recorded 48 goals and 254 points. Green was also a feisty competitor, racking up 1,029 penalty minutes, earning the moniker ‘Terrible Ted’ along the way.

The defenceman won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins during the 1971-72 season. Green also played seven seasons in the WHA with the New England Whalers and the Winnipeg Jets.

After his playing career, Green made his foray into coaching. He was an assistant coach for all five of Edmonton’s Stanley Cup wins and was later named as head coach from 1991-1994. Green would return to the franchise as an assistant coach in 1997, after a brief hiatus. Following the 1999-2000 campaign, he joined the New York Rangers’ coaching staff, serving as an assistant with the team until 2004.

The Rangers, who are hosting the Oilers, honoured Green prior to the start of Saturday’s game. Edmonton has announced that it will also honour Green prior to its next home game on Oct. 16.

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