Ab McDonald
Four-time Stanley Cup champion and first captain of the Penguins and Jets.
Alvin Brian McDonald (February 18, 1936 – September 4, 2018) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Left wing
- Shoots
- Left
- Born
- 18 February 1936
- Birthplace
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Died
- 4 September 2018
Lore & Background
McDonald won four straight Stanley Cups: three with Montreal (1958, 1959, 1960) followed by another with Chicago (1961). His goal in game six of the 1961 Stanley Cup Final gave Chicago the series win, which they did not do so again for over 40 years. He was the first team captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets organizations, and scored the first goal for the Jets in the World Hockey Association (WHA).
Reader's Guide
McDonald began his professional hockey career with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1958. He later played for the Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues. He ended his career after 147 games for Winnipeg, retiring after the 1973–74 season.
Did You Know?
- McDonald was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- He was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1996.
- He and his wife Pat were married for sixty years, having three daughters and two sons.
- He died at his home in Winnipeg from cancer on September 4, 2018, at the age of 82.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ab McDonald?
Alvin Brian McDonald was a Canadian professional forward born in Winnipeg who played for multiple NHL franchises during the late 1950s and 60s. He is best known for his significant time with the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Black Hawks.
What did he achieve with Chicago?
McDonald scored the decisive goal in Game Six of the 1961 Stanley Cup Final to secure the championship for the Black Hawks. This victory was particularly notable because it marked a long drought for the franchise before their next title.
How many Cups did he win back-to-back?
He is one of the few players to capture four consecutive Stanley Cups during his career. Three of these titles came with Montreal, while the fourth was won alongside Chicago.
Which teams did he play for in total?
Beyond his famous stints in Montreal and Chicago, McDonald also played for Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. His professional journey began in 1958 before concluding over a decade later.
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