Doug Risebrough
Canadian former NHL player, coach, and general manager; played for Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames; later head coach and general manager of the Flames.
Douglas John Risebrough (born January 29, 1954) is a Canadian former player, coach, and general manager in the National Hockey League. He played for the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames, and later served as an assistant coach, head coach, and general manager for the Flames.
- Franchise
- Calgary Flames
- Status
- Former player and assistant coach
- First Calgary Season
- 1982-83
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Risebrough was drafted by Montreal in 1974 and won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the Canadiens (1976–1979). He was traded to the Calgary Flames on September 11, 1982, and spent five seasons with the team, serving as an alternate captain. In 1986, he was an alternate captain under captain Jim Peplinski, helping the Flames reach the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to his former team, the Canadiens, in five games. After retiring as a player following the 1986–87 season, he served two seasons as an assistant coach with the Flames, helping them win the 1989 Stanley Cup. He later became head coach for the 1990–91 season and general manager from 1991 to 1995.
In Their Own Story
The 1986 Stanley Cup Final was a homecoming of sorts for Risebrough. After winning four consecutive Stanley Cup titles with the Canadiens from 1976 through 1979, he now faced them as the tri-captain of the Calgary Flames. The series went five games, with the Canadiens ultimately taking the championship. Risebrough's role as an agitator was on full display, as he was assigned to pester Montreal's top players. Though the Flames fell short, the run marked the fifth time Risebrough had reached the Stanley Cup Final as a player.
Reader's Guide
Risebrough was an agitator known for pestering opponents' top players. In a famous Battle of Alberta incident, he fought Marty McSorley; though he lost the fight, he ended up with McSorley's jersey, which he shredded with his skates. He played 740 NHL regular-season games, scoring 185 goals and 471 points, with 1,542 penalty minutes. In 124 playoff games, he had 21 goals and 37 assists, with 238 penalty minutes.
Did You Know?
- Risebrough was part of four consecutive Stanley Cup wins with the Montreal Canadiens from 1976 to 1979.
- He served as an alternate captain for the Calgary Flames for four seasons.
- After retiring, he was an assistant coach for the Flames when they won the 1989 Stanley Cup.
- He was the second general manager in Calgary Flames history, serving from 1991 to 1995.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Doug Risebrough?
He was the head coach who guided the franchise during its relocation from Atlanta to Calgary. Risebrough holds the distinction of being the first man to lead the Flames on home ice in Alberta.
What season did he start coaching in Calgary?
His tenure began with the 1980-81 campaign, which marked the team's inaugural year in their new city. This period was crucial for establishing a local identity after moving from Georgia.
Why is Doug Risebrough important to Flames history?
He represents the foundational years of the franchise before later dynastic success took hold. His leadership helped stabilize the roster during the challenging transition of relocation in the early 1980s.
Did he coach the team while they were still in Atlanta?
Yes, Risebrough served as head coach prior to the move and continued into the first Calgary season. This continuity made him a key figure in bridging the two distinct eras of the franchise.
What legacy does he leave behind?
He is remembered as a historical legend for navigating the early struggles of building a fanbase in Alberta. His work laid the groundwork for future success despite the initial hardships of relocation.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in the Calgary Flames universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record