Tom McVie, longtime NHL coach, dead at 89

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Tom McVie, a Boston Bruins ambassador who coached the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, has died. He was 89.

"The entire Boston Bruins organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom McVie," Bruins’ president Cam Neely said in a statement Monday.

"Tom was a huge part of our Bruins family, having served as coach, scout and ambassador for more than 30 years. His hockey mind, colorful personality, gruff voice, and unmatched sense of humor livened up every room he entered, and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and many loved ones."

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Winnipeg Jets alumni coach Tom McVie picks Teemu Selanne, #13, to take the penalty shot as Ab McDonald listens during a game against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of the NHL Heritage Classic alumni game on Oct. 22, 2016, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

McVie played 21 seasons of minor league hockey, playing in the International League, the Western League and the Eastern Hockey League before beginning his coaching career.

His NHL coaching career began with the Capitals when he took over on Dec. 31, 1975. After that season, he coached the Capitals for two more seasons.

After coaching the Capitals, he helped the Jets win the World Hockey Association to the 1979 Avco Cup and then became the head coach for the Jets during their first two NHL seasons, in 1979-80 and 1980-81.

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Coach Tom McVie of the New Jersey Devils looks on from