(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, would like to extend its condolences to the Dineen family as they celebrate the life of two-time Stanley Cup Champion and former NHL head Coach, Bill Dineen. He was 84 years old.
Bill Dineen, a native of Arvida, Quebec, passed away today at 84 in Lake George, New York. Dineen won two Stanley Cups as a player for the Detroit Red Wings, doing so back-to-back in 1954 and 1955. Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1971, he began a 15-year coaching career that took him through the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, the WHA with the Houston Aeros and the New England Whalers, and the AHL with the Adirondack Red Wings where he won two AHL Championships. It was in the 1988-89 season winning the championship that he would coach a young rookie out of SUNY-Plattsburgh: current Rush General Manager, Joe Ferras. Ferras also skated with one of Bill’s sons, Jerry, at SUNY-Plattsburgh; Jerry is the long-standing Video Coach of the New York Rangers in the NHL.
“Mr. Dineen was not only a treasured friend but has been an inspiration to me throughout my life both on and off the ice. Everyone who has had the opportunity to play for him or meet him will say it was a privilege,” said Rush General Manager Joe Ferras. “The Dineen family is one of most respected family’s in the hockey world and it is an honor to call them great friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.”
Additionally, Bill was the father of three sons that played in the NHL: Kevin played over 1,200 games in the NHL and is currently the Assistant Coach with the Chicago Blackhawks, Gord played over 500 games in the NHL, is currently an Assistant Coach with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, and has his number retired with the Utah Grizzlies from his IHL playing days, and Peter and Shawn are pro scouts for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators, respectively. He also had one daughter, Rose.
On behalf of the Rush organization, we’d like to send our best wishes and condolences to the world of hockey and the Dineen family in this trying time.
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