Former, current NHLers react to Al Arbour's passing
The sports world was quick to make itself heard after news broke that Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour died on Friday morning after a long illness. He was 82.
Arbour guided the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980-83 during his first run with the club, which spanned from 1973-86. He complied a 740-537-223 record while coaching in 1,500 games with the club, with his wins and games coached totals trailing only Scotty Bowman (782, 1,607).
Here's a sampling of social media tributes in honor of Arbour:
(h/t New York Islanders)
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 28, 2015
R.I.P. Al Arbour. You changed my dads life and my family lived blessed b/c of that. Heroes are remembered, but LEGENDS never die! #AlArbour
— Eric Nystrom (@enystrom23) August 28, 2015
A great shot of Al Arbour celebrating the @NYIslanders Stanley Cup championship. He will surely be missed. pic.twitter.com/sq8pYrj3eD
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) August 28, 2015
Potvin on Arbour: "Al used to say, "That negative energy that you're feeling, turn it into positive energy.'" #Isles
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) August 28, 2015
Torrey on hiring Arbour: "Once he said yes, he never took a backwards step. He treated his team like a family." #Isles
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) August 28, 2015
Sad day for isles family with the passing of al arbour..he'll always be remembered for all he did and the person he was #legend #RIP
— Michael Grabner (@grabs40) August 28, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Arbours after the passing of our original captain, Al Arbour. #OurBlues pic.twitter.com/t69R2vGuiZ
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) August 28, 2015
Rarely does one person have such a profound impact on a franchise like Al Arbour had on the #Isles. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/UShbOkhRkk
— Pete Jensen (@NHLJensen) August 28, 2015