NHL Undergoes Impassioned Week With Two Passings of Former Legends Al MacNeil and Dwight Foster

Former NHL player and coach, Al MacNeil, has sadly passed away at the age of 89.

This is the second tragic passing on this day in the hockey world, we regret to inform you: Hockey World Mourns Loss of 67-Year Old Red Wings, Bruins NHL Alumni

He played, coached, and managed in both the NHL and AHL, and had ultimate success while doing so.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Norma, son Allister, daughter Allison, son-in-law Paul Sparkes and grandsons Jack and Ben.» Said the Calgary Flames organization in their statement: Calgary Flames statement

MacNeil had a long career in the NHL as a player and coach, a whopping 524 games played throughout his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of long-time Flames executive and former head coach Al MacNeil.

Al passed away at the age of 89 years, on Jan. 5, 2025, surrounded by his family in Calgary.

The original six team, Detroit Red Wings are mourning the passing of former defenseman Dwight Foster.

The second passing announced of today, making it a tragic day in the hockey world. Blackhawks, Leafs 4x Stanley Cup Champion Sadly Passes Away at Age 89

Dwight Foster spent four years of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings from 1982-1986.

He was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins 16th overall in the 1st round of the NHL draft.

But he'd spend four years with the Red Wings and would play 215 games with the squad. While he scored 110 points(48 G, 62 A) with a -11.

Ironically Foster would begin his career at the inception of the renegade WHA, as he was also drafted by the Houston Aeros 10th overall in the 1977 WHA Draft.

Foster would never suit up for the Houston Aeros but would spend the majority of his career in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, Colorado Rockies/New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings.

Foster leaves behind four children, Alex, Dwayne, Peter, and Genevieve.

Alex, who was one of Foster's four children, would follow in the family's footsteps and played professional hockey and played for both the Toronto Marlies and Toronto Maple Leafs in 2006.

Our condolences go out to the families of Foster and MacNeil, RIP.