Emile Francis obit

Hockey Hall of Famer Emile Francis dies at 95

 

He was not on the list.

Emile “The Cat” Francis, the diminutive goalie who became a Hall of Fame coach and general manager with the New York Rangers has died. He was 95.

The Rangers announced the death Saturday night.

“Emile’s passion and dedication to the Rangers organization and growing the game of hockey in New York City was second to none,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. “‘The Cat’ was a true pioneer and innovator, as well as the architect and coach of some of the greatest teams in Rangers history. Emile has meant as much to the Rangers as any person who has been part of the organization throughout its history. Our thoughts are with Emile’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Francis was general manager of the Rangers from October 1964 to January 1976, also serving as coach for parts of 10 seasons during that time. New York made nine consecutive playoff appearances in his tenure, reaching at least the semifinals in four consecutive years (1971-74) and the Stanley Cup Final in 1972.

As Rangers coach, he was 342-209-103 and holds the franchise records for regular-season wins and games, and playoff wins (34) and games (75). He also put together the famous G-A-G line (for goal-a-game) of Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield.

After he was fired by the Rangers in 1976, Francis was general manager of the St. Louis Blues from 1976-83, serving two stints as coach in 1976-77 and 1981-83 and compiling a 46-64-14 record. He then left to become general manager of the Hartford Whalers from 1983-89.

Francis received the Lester Patrick Trophy for service to hockey in 1982, the same year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Builder.

“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Emile Francis, a Hall of Fame coach and general manager whose infectious personality was as beloved as his hockey acumen was revered,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “The NHL sends its deepest condolences to his family and to his many friends and admirers.”

Francis also was selected the recipient of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Wayne Gretzky International Award in 2015 for contributions to the growth and advancement of the sport in the United States.

From North Battleford, Saskatchewan, the 5-foot-7 Francis was 32-52-10 with a 3.75 goals-against average and one shutout in 95 NHL games in six seasons with Chicago and the Rangers.

Off the ice, he formed the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League to promote the sport for youngsters in New York City, and organized youth clinics in the community. The Rangers named an award for him in 2008, awarded to an individual who grows youth hockey in the area.

Francis began his professional career in 1943–44 with the Philadelphia Falcons of the Eastern Hockey League. He later acquired his nickname "the Cat" while playing for the Moose Jaw Canucks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League during the 1945–46 season, when a sportswriter described him as "quick as a cat". During the autumn of 1946, he was given an invitation to participate in the training camp of the Chicago Black Hawks – the sponsor club of the Canucks – held in Regina. In the middle of the 1946–47 season, he was called up to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Black Hawks. He led the league in losses (30) and goals against (183) the following year. He ultimately played 73 games with the franchise over those two seasons. His unique use of a catching mitt based upon the design of a baseball first baseman's glove drew the attention of league officials. Francis argued that the popular gloves of the time put too much strain on the hand of goalkeepers, and, after gaining executive approval, equipment based on Francis's glove became commonplace.

In October 1948, Francis was traded with Alex Kaleta to the New York Rangers in exchange for Jim Henry. Over the next four years, he would play sparingly in a relief role for the Rangers, while playing mostly on New York's American Hockey League affiliate. He finished his career in the Western Hockey League, including stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Saskatoon Quakers, and Seattle Americans. Francis retired from playing at the conclusion of the 1959–60 season. Other teams he played for include North Battleford Beavers, Philadelphia Falcons, Washington Lions, Kansas City Pla-Mors, New Haven Ramblers, Cincinnati Mohawks, Spokane Spokes, Spokane Comets, Seattle Totems, Regina Capitals, Cleveland Barons.

Francis met his wife Emma while in Saskatchewan, where she was studying to become a nurse. They were married for 68 years, until her death in 2020. Together, they had two sons: Bobby and Rick. Bobby was head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and won the Jack Adams Award in 2002. Rick was the vice president of marketing and sales for the Whalers.