Fred Shero

Lore & Background

Fred Shero was born in Winnipeg to Russian-born parents who fled religious persecution. He was bullied as a child and became a loner, later crediting his childhood for his introverted personality. At age 13, he became Canadian Bantamweight boxing champion but chose hockey over professional boxing. He signed with the New York Rangers at 17 and served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, playing hockey for HMCS Chippawa. His NHL debut came on October 16, 1947, against the Montreal Canadiens. He played 19 games with the Rangers that season and later reached the Stanley Cup Final in 1950, losing in double overtime in game seven. After being traded to the Cleveland Barons, he won back-to-back Calder Cups in 1953 and 1954. He retired from playing in 1958.

Shero spent 13 years coaching in the minor leagues, winning multiple championships and the AHL coach of the year award in 1970. Despite success in the Rangers farm system, he was not considered for the Rangers head coaching job due to a perceived alcohol problem and belief he was an ineffective communicator. In 1971, Flyers general manager Keith Allen hired Shero based on reputation and a "gut feeling." Shero became the first coach to employ systems, hire a full-time assistant coach (Mike Nykoluk), use in-season strength training, study film, and utilize a morning skate. He also insisted on having a European scout. His nickname "The Fog" originated from a 1948 game in St. Paul, Minnesota, where fog was so thick he was the only player who claimed to see the puck.

Reader's Guide

Fred Shero's significance lies in his pioneering coaching innovations that became standard in the NHL. He was the first coach to hire a full-time assistant coach, employ systems, have players use in-season strength training, study film, and use a morning skate. These changes transformed coaching practices. As head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, he won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975 and reached the final again in 1976. He had four consecutive seasons with a winning percentage of .700 or better and remains the Flyers' all-time leader in coaching victories. After controversially leaving the Flyers in 1978, he led the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season. He resigned after less than three seasons. Shero was known for his enigmatic personality, often appearing or disappearing unnoticed, and left philosophical sayings on a chalkboard. His famous quote before game six of the 1974 Final, "Win today and we walk together forever," is still quoted. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2013.

Did You Know?

• Shero wrote the quote 'Win today and we walk together forever' before game six of the 1974 Stanley Cup Final.
• His son, Ray Shero, served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.