Legendary Hockey Architect Glen Sather Retires After 60 Years in the Sport

Hockey Hall of Famer Glen Sather, renowned for his contributions to the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers in the NHL, has announced his retirement after an illustrious six-decade career in the sport. Sather played a pivotal role in building the last great NHL dynasty with the Oilers in the 1980s and was instrumental in revitalizing the Rangers in the early 2000s.

The retirement news comes just two days after the Florida Panthers clinched their first Stanley Cup by defeating the Oilers in a thrilling Game 7. Interestingly, the Panthers had also triumphed over the Rangers in the Eastern Conference final.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman lauded Sather for his exceptional career, which included five Stanley Cup victories in seven years with the Oilers. Sather’s keen eye for talent and his ability to optimize player performance were highlighted by Bettman in a congratulatory statement.

Glen Sather, affectionately known as ‘Slats’, is a unique figure in hockey history, having won at least four Stanley Cups as both a head coach and general manager. His legacy includes a remarkable track record with the Oilers, leading them to Cup championships in 1984, ’85, ’87, ’88, and 1990.

In addition to his success with the Oilers, Sather also made significant contributions to Team Canada, with notable achievements in the World Cup of Hockey and Canada Cup. His impact on the sport transcends borders, with a remarkable tenure in various hockey roles both in North America and internationally.

Before transitioning to management and coaching, Sather had a solid playing career, representing several NHL teams. His leadership on the ice laid the foundation for his later success as a builder and architect of hockey dynasties.