Nov 30, 2018
A nostalgic look back at our favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the '60s, '70s, and '80s.
In episode number 21 we look back on the career of the former
player, Coach and GM of the Rangers the colorful and feisty Emile
"The Cat "Francis. Considered by many as the greatest coach and GM
in NY Rangers history.
* Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982
* Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments in building and coaching the NY Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers
* Earned the Lester Patrick award in 1982 for his outstanding contributions to Hockey in the United States
* Was a star netminder in both Junior and Minor leagues earning All-Star births and MVP awards.
*Started his NHL career with the BlackHawks while also playing in parts of four seasons with the Rangers
*Was the innovator and inventor of the first Goalie gloves designed after the baseball first baseman's mitt.
*Developed leadership skills at a young age and quickly established himself as a successful coach and hockey executive with the Rangers organization starting in 1960.
* Coached Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert at Guelph in 1960-61
* Promoted to Assistant GM in 1962
* Promoted to Head Coach and GM in 1965
* Led the Rangers to nine straight years of playoff births from 1966-67 through 1974-75 including a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1972.
* Coaching record of 388 wins, 273 losses, and 117 ties with the Rangers, Blues, and Whalers.
* Built a team that many consider the most elite and consistent Rangers team in the modern era designed around finesse and skill but lacking in physicality. Some say it was the most elite team never to win a Stanley Cup
* Built his Rangers clubs around star players Eddy Giacomin, Jean Ratelle, Rod Gilbert, Vic Hadfield, Brad Park, and Walt Tkaczuk
* Was the architect of many controversial trades and transactions both successful and unsuccessful. A few examples :
-Park and Ratelle for Esposito and Vadnais
-Eddie Giacomini on waivers and picked up by Detroit
Vic Hadfield to the Penguins
-Moose Dupont, Mike Murphy, Red Berenson to St. Louis
- Traded for John Davidson
- Traded for Pete Stemkowski, Bruce Mcgregor, Teddy Irvine, and Bobby Rousseau