Legendary Isles Coach Al Arbour Dies at 82

Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour, who coached the New York Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups, died on Friday at the age of 82.

Arbour passed away at his home in Sarasota where he was being treated for Parkinson’s disease and dementia, according to the NHL.

Arbour’s legend is massive. Leading the Islanders to four straight Cups, he won 19 straight playoff series, including a run to the Final in 1984 before losing to the Edmonton Oilers. No NHL team has ever won that many series in a row and no major sports team has won four straight titles since Arbour’s run. He is the NHL’s second most winning coach ever.

He also won three Stanley Cups as a player, including a Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks and two with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Islanders are saddened to confirm that legendary Hall of Fame Coach and dear friend, Al Arbour has passed away: http://t.co/sy2vTlhmc2

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 28, 2015

In an announcement of Arbour’s passing at the team’s site, Islanders general manager Garth Snow offered his thoughts:

“Al will always be remembered as one of, if not the, greatest coaches ever to stand behind a bench in the history of the National Hockey League,” Islanders President and General Manager Garth Snow said. “The New York Islanders franchise has four Stanley Cups to its name, thanks in large part to Al’s incredible efforts. From his innovative coaching methods, to his humble way of life away from the game, Al is one of the reasons the New York Islanders are a historic franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Arbour family.”

Arbour coached for over 1,700 games and was behind the bench for 22 seasons, 19 of which were with the Isles.

Here are some of the tributes those around the hockey world have offered today.

The spotlight never shined on Al Arbour as brightly as he deserved. But almost every player who played for him believes he was the best ever

— Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN) August 28, 2015

Rest in peace Al Arbour. He was a legendary coach and, from the little I knew him, a wonderful man. You will be missed.

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) August 28, 2015

If you're too young to know of Al Arbour's accomplishments, do yourself a favor and read up on him today. Your jaw will drop in amazement.

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) August 28, 2015

Sad to hear of the passing of Al Arbour, one half of the best coach/GM combo in the history of the game. Condolences to family and friends.

— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) August 28, 2015

R.I.P. Al Arbour. As classy off the ice as his Islanders teams were dominant on it.

— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) August 28, 2015

The game lost a legendary mind today. Al Arbour coached the New York Islanders dynasty to four straight Stanley Cups. He will be missed.

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) August 28, 2015

Met Al Arbour at Roger Neilson's HOF induction. Thanked him on behalf of my father for the Isles dynasty. #RIP

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 28, 2015

Sad to hear the news about Al Arbour. He was good to my Dad and my family, and a hell of a coach. He will be missed.

— Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) August 28, 2015

Have so many thoughts on passing of Al Arbour. So sad, he impacted my career, life deeply. Rest peacefully Al, prayers to Claire and family

— Ray Ferraro (@rayferrarotsn) August 28, 2015

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