DENVER (AP/CBS) – Peter McNab, a longtime NHL forward who played for the Bruins in “Lunch Pail A.C.” of the team. era, passed away on Sunday. He is 70 years old.
McNab, who played eight seasons for the Bruins from 1976 to 1984, became a familiar voice for the Colorado Avalanche as an announcer after his playing career ended.
The Avalanche, in a joint statement with Altitude TV, announced his death on social media. McNab announced in late summer 2021 that he was battling cancer, but in February he said he was in remission. McNab was part of the broadcast team when the Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup last June against Tampa Bay.
The charismatic McNab has seen and experienced every step since the Avalanche arrived in Denver from Quebec before the 1995-96 season. He had a front row seat to the exploits of Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy and Peter Forsberg, to legendary – and controversial – clashes with the Detroit Red Wings and to the dawn of a new era with the featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
“As a great hockey player, he will be remembered most because he was a friend to so many people,” said Sakic, a Hall of Fame forward turned NHL executive. in a press release. “On behalf of the Avalanche organization, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire McNab family. Peter will be greatly missed.”
After a successful career at the University of Denver, McNab played in parts of 14 NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils. He finished with 363 goals and 450 assists in 995 career regular-season games. McNab helped the Sabres to the 1975 Stanley Cup final, where they were beaten in six games by Philadelphia.
Acquired by the Bruins from Buffalo in 1976, McNab had at least 35 goals and 75 points in six straight seasons for Boston. He was named to the All-Star Game in his first season with the Bruins, when McNab logged a career-high 86 points to help Boston make the Stanley Cup Final.
After his playing career ended, McNab ventured into broadcasting, where he worked as an analyst for the Devils before joining the Avalanche. Additionally, McNab served as a hockey analyst at several Winter Olympics.
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, McNab grew up in San Diego. He played three seasons for the Pioneers (1970–73), where he helped Denver finish second in the 1973 NCAA Division I championship game. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Period in 2021.
“The hockey world lost a world of good here,” former Avalanche and current Nashville forward Matt Duchene said on social media. “Pete really loved the game and couldn’t have been a nicer man and it was a pleasure getting to know him.”
Owner E. Stanley Kroenke and President Josh Kroenke added in a joint statement:
“Peter’s passion for hockey is unique, as is his gift for celebrating what makes the game This sport has become special. We have been fortunate that for 27 years he has been an integral and indispensable part of our organization. His presence, insight and commitment for the growth of the sport makes us all want to be better hockey managers.
About The Author
Leave a Reply