Bob Gainey
Bob Gainey
Full Name and Common Aliases
Bob Gainey is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player and executive, best known for his 21-year career as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 2, 1942
Nationality and Profession(s)
Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player and Executive
Early Life and Background
Bob Gainey grew up in Petrolia, Ontario, a small town in rural Canada. He was one of nine children born to a family that valued sports and physical activity from an early age. Gainey's athletic prowess became apparent during his youth, as he excelled in hockey, baseball, and football.
Gainey's passion for hockey led him to play junior hockey with the Guelph Biltmores of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). His impressive performance earned him a scholarship to Cornell University, where he played college hockey while studying economics. After graduating, Gainey turned pro and began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1969.
Major Accomplishments
Gainey's most notable achievements include:
Stanley Cup Champion (1971): Gainey won his first Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1971.
NHL All-Star Selections (1976, 1977, 1980): Gainey was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game three times during his career.
NHL Plus/Minus Leader (1978-79): Gainey led the league in plus/minus rating for the 1978-79 season.Notable Works or Actions
Gainey's accomplishments extend beyond his playing career. He is also recognized for:
General Manager and Executive: After retiring as a player, Gainey served as the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens from 1984 to 1994.
NHL Commissioner Candidate: In 1998, Gainey was considered a candidate for NHL commissioner but ultimately withdrew his name from consideration.Impact and Legacy
Bob Gainey's impact on hockey is multifaceted:
Player Development: As both a player and executive, Gainey contributed to the development of numerous talented players who went on to have successful careers.
Community Involvement: Throughout his career, Gainey has been committed to charitable endeavors, particularly those benefiting children and families in need.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bob Gainey is widely quoted and remembered for:
Leadership and Work Ethic: Gainey's dedication to excellence on and off the ice set a high standard for himself and others.
* Passion for Hockey: His love of hockey and commitment to its development have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Gainey's legacy extends far beyond his playing career, as he continues to be sought after as a speaker, advisor, and advocate for hockey development.
Quotes by Bob Gainey
Andre, I'm just getting to know him but I think he has a lot to offer and he has a good vision of the ice, great ability with the puck and he gave us a taste of it tonight. We'd like to see more.
The information is that he was improving, that his vision was clearing up. Blood was dispersing, but there were still parts inside his eye that the doctors could not see and that still needed time.
The Flyers have a lot of injuries right now, that's for sure. But our team, if we move the puck well, can play with a lot of speed, whereas their team is big, but they're slower than us. So it's like we have opposite teams, but it makes for good games.
I didn't see anyone looking and wondering if someone was going to show up out of the blue. It's part of their lives. Players are in and players are out all through the season. It's our team - the guys that are in the room and on the roster sheet before the game - it's those 20 players who are responsible for the game. It's not the guys who aren't there.
I haven't really thought about it at this moment. We'll make a decision on our lineup and we'll let you know.
If you look at their penalty killing and hours, if you look at the minutes that were spent in that situation, they created an advantage in play and an advantage on the scoreboard so it's pretty easy for us to find the place where we need to improve.
I'm the one who's responsible and this gives time for Guy to get comfortable with the team and the players. It's more fair for myself to step in and take responsibility until the end of the season.
I hadn't been close to the ice for a game in quite a while. It was a fun game to be a part of.
