Hockey

Unforgettable Stanley Cup moment: Bringing joy to a sick boy

Question today is, what is my favorite Peter McNabb memory and Peter McNabb, the longtime voice of the Colorado, a voice Avalanche, and Peter was a great friend who was a teammate of mine. Very briefly with the Vancouver Canucks. And Peter was so helpful to everybody as we were making the move from the Quebec nordiques, over to the Colorado Avalanche, because he was a Denver resident. And he'd gotten a job as the play-by-play analyst for the The for the Colorado, Avalanche. So he was very helpful to everybody. As we were making the move there, he was the person most familiar with Denver. So that was obviously a very good memory of Peter. But the most special one was when we won the Stanley Cup in 1996, Peter told me this story at the end of the summer and it was about his day with the cup because he got to spend the day with the cup, and he brought it to the sick kid Hospital in In Denver, and he invited a lot of the patients in to see the cup. Obviously there was a huge frenzy around Denver, and about hockey and about the Stanley Cup. And this story is about just the power of the the cup Peter brought the trophy into the hospital. And as you showing it to patients and people were getting their pictures taken as often happens when these types of events happen, this one particular young boy who was suffering from some terminal disease. These, he got his picture taken with the cup and Pierre, and the kid was just overjoyed. And had the biggest biggest smile. I remember Peter telling me, and then all of a sudden, the parents just absolutely broke down and Peter was really ready. Sold my god. What have I done? You know what, what's wrong? So he went to the parents and he said to them what's wrong and they said no, no nothing, you know, it's okay, they compose themselves. They said this is just the first time And that we've seen him smile in over six months and that story. If that doesn't encapsulate, how powerful the Stanley Cup is and why it is the absolute best trophy to win, people see it and they know there's something about it and to see the good that just being with it for a couple of minutes. Can bring, I always remember Peter, when I think about that story that he told in Colorado.

My favorite Peter McNabb memory is when he brought the Stanley Cup to a hospital and it made a young boy, who was suffering from a terminal illness, smile for the first time in six months. It encapsulates how powerful the Stanley Cup is and why it is the absolute best trophy to win.

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My favorite Peter McNab memory involves his day with the Stanley Cup after we won it in 1996. Peter, who was a teammate and a great friend, had the privilege of spending the day with the cup. He decided to bring it to a sick kid's hospital in Denver and invited the patients to see it.

During the visit, one young boy who was suffering from a terminal disease had his picture taken with the cup and Peter. The boy's joy was evident, and it brought the biggest smile to his face. However, what struck Peter was when the boy's parents broke down in tears. Concerned, Peter approached them to ask what was wrong.

The parents explained that it was the first time they had seen their son smile in over six months. This story truly captures the power of the Stanley Cup and why it is the most incredible trophy to win. Just a few minutes with it can bring so much happiness and hope.

Whenever I think about that story, I am reminded of Peter and the impact he made during our time in Colorado.

We hear the phrase “plays well away from the puck” a lot. What are coaches looking for “away from the puck”? 

Unveiling the Key to Playing Well Away from the Puck

We hear the phrase plays well away from the puck a lot. But our coaches looking for away from the puck, the very good question posed by Doug. And for me, it's about responsibility and awareness. I think that when you're defending when a team doesn't have a pocket, takes five guys to work at getting that puck back and where you're positioning yourself, where you You recognize other people on the opposition are that can become dangerous. Players are your understanding of that situation really encompasses, how good you are away from the puck. You want to position yourself between the puck carrier, and the other offensive players you want to be in a position to take away any dangerous opportunities that could happen if the puck is moved to other offensive. Fires on the ice, you want to be in a position mostly to help defensively help your other four teammates that are on the ice with you to get the puck back. And usually it takes a coordinated effort and a coordinated understanding of how you're playing. When you don't have the puck, you hear about things, like getting above the puck, making sure you put backside pressure. Making sure you have good positioning and good, stick positioning. Those things are all important on your play away from the puck but really, it is about an awareness and an understanding of what is happening. If the puck gets shot to the net, you have to anticipate where that puck is going. You have to anticipate where the dangerous players in the other team are and you've got to position yourself either to get the puck back or get yourself in a position to be very defensively. Abel. And for me again, if you're good away from the puck, you're going to be a player that helps your team defend really well. And when you defend really well, you don't have to score as much to win. Finally, I would say this. Make sure you always try to get better with the puck because there's an old adage in hockey that scores, they're really where it's at. And having skill is super important to also being responsible.

Being good away from the puck means being aware of your surroundings and understanding how to position yourself to help your teammates get the puck back. It also means recognizing where dangerous players on the opposition are and anticipating what they might do with the puck. Finally, it is important to always try to get better with the puck because having skill is essential for being successful.

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The phrase plays well away from the puck is often heard in hockey. Coaches are looking for specific qualities and actions from players when they don't have possession of the puck.

Coaches want players to demonstrate responsibility and awareness. When defending, it takes a collective effort of all five players on the ice to regain possession of the puck. Understanding where to position oneself and recognizing the dangerous offensive players on the opposing team are key aspects of playing well away from the puck.

Players should position themselves between the puck carrier and the opposing offensive players to prevent dangerous opportunities. They should be ready to assist defensively and support their teammates in retrieving the puck. This requires coordination and a solid understanding of defensive play.

Important concepts in playing away from the puck include getting above the puck, applying backside pressure, maintaining good positioning, and having proper stick positioning. These factors contribute to effective defensive play.

Being aware of the situation on the ice is crucial. Players must anticipate the movement of the puck, the location of dangerous opponents, and position themselves accordingly to either regain possession or defend effectively.

A player who excels away from the puck contributes to strong team defense, reducing the need for excessive scoring. However, it's also important to continuously improve puck skills, as scoring remains a significant aspect of the game. Balancing skill and responsibility is key in hockey.

Was it an honour to coach the Canucks after playing for them?

Former Canucks player turned coach reflects on unforgettable experience

Sam asked, was it an honor to coach the Canucks after playing for the Sam? You can. Well imagine I'm going to answer this with an absolute. Yes I can remember like it was yesterday. Brian Burke and Dave known as came down to Tampa Bay at the All-Star break during 1999 in January and they locked me in a hotel room and they said we're not leaving until you sign with the Canucks. I was so glad they were so persistent. And I can tell you right from the outset almost from moment, one of the initial press conference. I felt so at home and it probably was the fact that I felt so comfortable with everybody and so familiar with everyone that was around the Canucks in those days. People like Pat O'Neill and Mike Bernstein, the medical trainer at the time they were guys that I had worked with before and knew very well Ron shoot who's the guy that's behind the bench? And has been there for almost every home game, the Canucks have ever played, they were all there. And again, even the media members, I felt comfortable with those guys because I had kind of grown up with them so it really was a warm Feeling with a strong sense of belonging to be working for the Canucks as a coach. In the end it's about the people that you meet and the people that you work with. And it's so many good memories of everybody from the front office starting with Brian and Dave tape, you know, all the secretaries all the the heads of the Departments. I mean, it was a real family atmosphere with Orca Bay at that time and it was a fun place to work. You know the coaches that I worked with Mike Johnson stance meal Glen Hamlin, Ian Clark, Andy Moog there are all terrific terrific people that really gave everything they had to make the connect successful and I miss Jack mackerel Harvey almost every day and he's taken from us far too soon but he was such a positive Canuck. I'm so thrilled that. My son is now a member of the Canucks coaching staff. And he gets to continue on being a part of the the connect Legacy and I still follow them very closely.

Yes, it was an honor to coach the Canucks after playing for them. I felt a strong sense of belonging and comfort with everyone involved with the organization. It was a family atmosphere and I still miss Jack MacKenzie and Harvey everyday. I'm thrilled my son is now part of the Canucks coaching staff and I continue to follow them closely.

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Being asked if it was an honor to coach the Canucks after playing for them, I can confidently say that it was indeed an incredible honor. I remember the moment vividly, when Brian Burke and Dave Nonis came to Tampa Bay during the All-Star break in January 1999. They were so persistent in their pursuit of signing me with the Canucks, and I was grateful for their determination.

From the very beginning, starting with the initial press conference, I felt a strong sense of belonging and comfort. It was likely because I was familiar with many of the people involved with the Canucks at that time. Individuals like Pat O'Neill, Mike Bernstein, Ron Shoot, and the media members were all people I had worked with before or grown up with. This familiarity created a warm feeling and made me feel at home.

Working for the Canucks as a coach was about the people I met and worked with. I have so many fond memories of the front office, the coaches I worked alongside, and the entire Orca Bay family. It truly felt like a family atmosphere, and it was a joyous place to work. I miss Jack McIlhargey every day, as he was such a positive presence for the Canucks.

I am thrilled that my son is now a member of the Canucks coaching staff, allowing him to continue the legacy of the Canucks. I still closely follow the team and remain connected to their journey.

Who is the toughest player you’ve played with or coached?

Joe Sakic: The Epitome of True Toughness

Who's the toughest player that I've played with or coached? Well I'm going to go off the board today and I'm going to say Joe sakic of the Colorado Avalanche Joe was an extremely tough player in a player that didn't fight player that nobody really looks at as being a heavy hitter or anything like that but I don't know coach hairy deal with the Vancouver Canucks. He used to say when players don't change their game in in situations where the game Is really intense in the game is really tough. That's really true toughness. And I think that's Joe sakic, that's explaining how Joe sakic played to a tee. I believe that Joe had a Fearless Fearless tenacity about, getting to the net and getting himself in a position to use his great shot to use his great release and he did it, no matter whether teams were trying to take his head off or whether they were trying to get a real heavy lick on. Him with a hit. If he did get hit. The one thing I loved about Joe sakic is that he got up and he would just shake it off and just go skate that much faster. And that to me, it served to frustrate the opposition and also, to Garner him such a huge, huge respect amongst the league players, like Joe sakic players, like Steve Yzerman, they all had those attributes. They would take it and they Get up and they would go that much faster into the play and people really tended to respect. It was almost like they felt guilty about hitting him at the end because they knew there was no way that they would ever get them to change the way that they play. So for me, toughness is about players that play the same way at home, on the road in soft games in games that are extremely tough in playoff games and really intense games. If you don't change the way you play in those, types of situations than to me, you're a very tough player and the best I had at that was Joe sakic

Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche is the toughest player that I have played with or coached due to his Fearless tenacity and his refusal to change his game no matter the situation. He would take hits and still be able to play at a high level, which earned him respect from the league players.

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The toughest player I've played with or coached? Today, I'm going to choose Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche. Joe may not be known for being a heavy hitter or a fighter, but he exemplified true toughness in the game. Coach Harry Neale of the Vancouver Canucks used to say that players who don't change their game in intense and tough situations demonstrate real toughness, and that perfectly describes Joe Sakic.

Joe had a fearless tenacity when it came to getting to the net and utilizing his incredible shot and release. He would do it regardless of the opposing team's attempts to take him out or deliver a heavy hit. Even if he did get hit, Joe would quickly get up, shake it off, and skate even faster. This frustrated the opposition and earned him immense respect from players across the league.

Players like Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman had the ability to take hits and bounce back, continuing to play at the same level. This made opponents feel almost guilty for hitting them because they knew these players would never change their style of play. To me, true toughness is displayed by players who maintain their consistency and intensity in all types of games, whether at home, on the road, in soft games, or in intense playoff matchups.

In my experience, Joe Sakic was the best example of this unwavering toughness.

As an expert, why are you interested in using AnyQuestion?

Directly answer questions: Expert's unique interest in AnyQuestion

As an expert. Why am I interested in using any questions simply? I think it's because of the platform. It allows me to directly answer an individual's questions and I think that's pretty neat. I don't think you can do it anywhere else. I know that I'm interested in getting off of answers as well, and this seems like a really cool place to do it. Secondly, when I got into coaching, I went to Roger, Nielsen's coaching clinic. And there I met Bob Johnson. When I met Mike Keenan, I met Mike Murphy, I met Roger himself. And those guys were so giving and that's why I think hockey coaches are the coolest because they're all about sharing their about sharing their ideas and I think we can marry the both of those answers in this app right here, ask any question, never a stupid one and I'm hoping I'll give you whatever I've got.

I am interested in using Any Questions Simply because it is a platform that allows me to directly answer an individual’s questions in a unique way. Additionally, I appreciate the attitude of hockey coaches who are willing to share their ideas and I believe this app provides an opportunity to do that as well.

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As an expert, my interest in using AnyQuestion stems from the unique platform it provides. It allows me to directly answer individuals' questions, which I find quite fascinating. I haven't come across any other platform that offers this opportunity. Additionally, I'm interested in transitioning away from traditional question-and-answer formats, and AnyQuestion seems like a fantastic place to do so.

Furthermore, my interest in using this platform is influenced by my experience in coaching. When I attended Roger Nielsen's coaching clinic, I had the chance to meet generous individuals like Bob Johnson, Mike Keenan, Mike Murphy, and Roger himself. These hockey coaches were incredibly giving and always willing to share their ideas. I believe that the spirit of sharing knowledge and ideas can be embraced within this app. Ask any question, there's never a stupid one, and I hope to contribute whatever knowledge and insights I have to offer.

Hi Marc! Tell people about your background, expertise, and how you can help.

Hockey Coach Marc Crawford: 35 Years of Coaching Experience in NHL and Europe

Hi, my name is Marc Crawford and I've been a coach of hockey for over 35 years. I've been a player assistant coach starting in the HL, and the IHL I moved on to be a head coach, in the OHL with the Cornwall Royals, from there. My journey took me to st. John's Newfoundland, where I coach to the st. John's Maple Leafs. And finally got my first opportunity in the National Hockey League with the Quebec nordiques. In 1994 since then I've coached many different teams in the NHL including the Colorado, Avalanche the Vancouver Canucks, the Los Angeles Kings, the Dallas Stars, the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks. And I've also coached in Europe with the Zetas, sea lions in Zurich, Switzerland.

Marc Crawford has been a hockey coach for over 35 years, starting in the HL and IHL before moving on to become a head coach with the Cornwall Royals. He then moved to St. John's Maple Leafs before being given his first NHL coaching job with the Quebec Nordiques in 1994. He has since coached many different NHL teams including the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, and Chicago Blackhawks. He has also had stints in Europe with the Zetas Sea Lions in Zurich, Switzerland.

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Hi, I'm Marc Crawford, a hockey coach with over 35 years of experience. I started as a player assistant coach in the HL and the IHL before becoming a head coach for the Cornwall Royals in the OHL. From there, I moved on to coach the St. John's Maple Leafs in Newfoundland. In 1994, I got my first opportunity in the National Hockey League with the Quebec Nordiques.

Since then, I have coached various teams in the NHL, including the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, and Chicago Blackhawks. I have also had coaching experience in Europe with the ZSC Lions in Zurich, Switzerland.

With my extensive background and expertise in hockey coaching, I can provide valuable insights, strategies, and guidance to players and teams looking to improve their performance on the ice. Whether it's honing skills, developing game plans, or fostering a winning mindset, I am here to help.

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Hockey Coach NHL, AHL, OHL, NLA for over 35 years 
Married (Helene) Two Children (Dylan) (Kaitlin)
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