Tom McVie, Bruins Ambassador, Dies At 89

BOSTON – I’ve said it and wrote it time and again about Tom McVie – he was the best storyteller in the hockey world. It’s not even close.

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You mention his name to anyone who knew him and immediately that person would attempt to tell a story and imitate McVie’s scratchy, deep voice. McVie passed away Sunday night. He was 89.

He spent a total of 37 years with the Boston Bruins organization during two stints and made an impact on everyone he met. McVie was a great ambassador for the game and made everyone laugh with his unique perspective on the game. McVie was a player, a player/coach, an NHL head coach and finally a scout for the Bruins for the past three decades. He had what seemed like endless one-liners. In fact, he once moved a player from the third line to the fourth line, and when that player asked why, McVie said: “Because we don’t have a fifth line.”

“The entire Boston Bruins organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom McVie,” said team president Cam Neely. “Tom was a huge part of our Bruins family, having served as a coach, scout and ambassador for more than 30 years. His hockey mind, colorful personality, gruff voice, and unmatched sense of humor livened up every room he entered and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and many loved ones."

After the Bruins rallied for a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks Monday at TD Garden, Boston coach Joe Sacco began his postgame press conference with a statement.

“Want to send our condolences along to Tom McVie’s family. Tom was part of the Bruins organization for a long time, and everyone who had a chance to meet him will never forget who he was, he was a great man,” Sacco said.

McVie’s only career was hockey. He would always say he never had a real job in his life. He spent 20 years in the minors and the Bruins later hired him to coach their minor-league affiliate, the Dayton Gems of the International Hockey League in 1973-74. He also coached the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils. It was his stint in Winnipeg that he always cherished.

After he was fired by the Capitals in 1978, the Jets, of the WHA, hired him towards the end of the season. The Jets eventually won the Avco Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games in 1979. The following season, the NHL expanded, absorbing four WHA teams, including the Jets. McVie once recalled the team’s transition from the WHA to the NHL in classic form.

The Jets went 19-47-11 in their first NHL season and McVie was fired.

“When we won the Avco Cup championship, there’s a bridge near the old barn that they wanted to name after me. After 15 games in the National Hockey League, they wanted to throw me off that same bridge,” McVie would later say with a big laugh.

The hockey world lost a gem. Thanks for all the great stories and making us laugh, Tommy. He loved the Boston Bruins, and the Boston Bruins loved him.

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