Tom McVie
Canadian ice hockey coach who won the Avco Cup and later the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins.
Thomas McVie (June 6, 1935 – January 19, 2025) was a Canadian professional ice hockey coach in the National Hockey League.
- Role
- Head Coach
- Affiliation
- Washington Capitals
Lore & Background
McVie grew up in a poor family and, upon signing his first junior league contract, is said to have left home with a single used stick and pair of skates. After his junior career ended, McVie signed with the Seattle Totems of the Western Hockey League and began a long career with this league that included stops with the Portland Buckaroos, Los Angeles Blades, and Phoenix Roadrunners. He scored a career-high 85 points during the 1961–62 season, earning a tryout with the New York Rangers and receiving a training camp invitation in 1962. After three years behind the bench in the International Hockey League, McVie coached the Washington Capitals from the 1975–76 season to the middle of the 1978–79 season. After being released by the Capitals, he moved to the Winnipeg Jets, then in the World Hockey Association, and coached the team to an Avco Cup championship. He then served as head coach for the Jets' first two NHL seasons, 1979–80 and part of 1980–81, while Bill Sutherland was the general manager. He replaced Bill MacMillan as head coach of the New Jersey Devils midway through the 1983–84 season, though that season's record was not the worst in franchise history. McVie returned as an NHL head coach with the Devils in 1991–92 after coaching the AHL Utica Devils. McVie served in the Boston Bruins organization for 21 years, 16 of them as a scout, and later as 'brand ambassador.' He finally had his name etched on the Stanley Cup in 2011, as the Bruins won their first championship in 39 years. McVie died at his home in Vancouver, Washington on January 19, 2025, at the age of 89.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide any specific stories, anecdotes, or game details involving Tom McVie. The only information available is his listing as the head coach of the Washington Capitals for the 1976–77 season.
Reader's Guide
McVie's NHL coaching career included stints with the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets (after their move to the NHL), and New Jersey Devils. He also coached in the International Hockey League and the American Hockey League (Utica Devils).
Did You Know?
- McVie scored a career-high 85 points during the 1961–62 season in the Western Hockey League.
- He coached the Winnipeg Jets to an Avco Cup championship in the World Hockey Association.
- McVie finally had his name etched on the Stanley Cup in 2011 as a member of the Boston Bruins organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tom McVie in the NHL?
He is recognized as a head coach who managed a franchise during the mid-1970s. His primary documented role was leading the Washington Capitals.
Did Tom McVie have any connection to the Buffalo Sabres?
There are no records indicating an affiliation between him and the Buffalo organization. His coaching history is strictly tied to Washington during that era.
When did Tom McVie serve as a head coach?
He held this position specifically during the 1976–77 NHL season. This tenure occurred while his team struggled following their expansion in 1974.
Which division was involved in Tom McVie's coaching record?
His team competed within the Norris Division standings during his time as head coach. The records list him under that specific conference alignment.
Is there information on Tom McVie's playing career?
The available source does not provide details about a role as a defenseman or player. It focuses exclusively on his administrative duties with the Capitals.
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