Ab McDonald
Four-time Stanley Cup champion, first captain of the Penguins, and first WHA captain of the Winnipeg Jets.
Alvin Brian McDonald (February 18, 1936 – September 4, 2018) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward.
- Role
- Player
- Affiliation
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins,
- Status
- Stanley Cup Champion (Player)
- Major Honour
- Four Stanley Cups in four consecutive seasons (1958, 1959, 1960 with Montreal; 1961 with Chicago)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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 won four Stanley Cups over four consecutive seasons: three with Montreal (1958, 1959, 1960) followed by one 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 Penguins (NHL) and the first captain of the Winnipeg Jets in the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1972–73. He scored the first goal in Jets history in the WHA. He ended his WHA career after 147 games for Winnipeg, retiring after the 1973–74 season; his NHL career had ended earlier with the St. Louis Blues in 1968–69. He died at his home in Winnipeg from cancer on September 4, 2018, at the age of 82.
In Their Own Story
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final remains the defining moment of McDonald's playing career. After a grueling series, Chicago faced elimination in game six. McDonald stepped up to score the winning goal, handing his team the championship and breaking a 40-year wait for the franchise. This victory was part of an incredible run where he won four straight Stanley Cups—three with Montreal and one with Chicago. Following his NHL tenure, McDonald transitioned to the new WHA era. Selected by Winnipeg in the 1972 WHA General Player Draft on February 12, he became a foundational figure for the Jets, serving as their first captain and scoring their inaugural goal. He played 147 games for Winnipeg before retiring after the 1973–74 season.
Reader's Guide
McDonald's goal in game six of the 1961 Stanley Cup Final gave Chicago the series win. He was the first team captain of the Penguins and Winnipeg Jets organizations.
Did You Know?
- McDonald's 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.
- McDonald was the first team captain of the Penguins (NHL) and the first captain of the Winnipeg Jets in the WHA.
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.
When did Ab McDonald pass away?
The legendary forward passed away on September 4, 2018, at the age of 82. He was remembered fondly by fans for his contributions to hockey history across multiple teams.
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