BBC NEWS: Glen Sather retires after 6 decades highlighted by building Oilers’ dynasty.see more details.
Here’s an in‑depth look (≈ 820 words) at Glen Sather’s retirement after a legendary six‑decade journey in hockey:
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🏑 Glen Sather: Six Decades in Hockey
Glen Cameron “Slats” Sather, born on September 2, 1943, in High River, Alberta, has officially retired as of June 26, 2024. His multifaceted six-decade career spanned roles as a player, coach, general manager, executive, and advisor in the NHL and WHA .
Player & Player-Coach Era
Sather began his playing career in 1966 as a left-winger in the NHL and WHA, suiting up for several franchises over ten seasons: Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, and finally the WHA’s Edmonton Oilers .
During the 1976–77 WHA season, he became player-coach of the Oilers near the end of the campaign, marking the start of his transition into full-time coaching .
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Building the Edmonton Oilers Dynasty 🏆
Coach & GM
Sather retired as a player in spring 1977 but retained his coaching role. In November 1980, he was promoted to both general manager and president, assuming head coach duties as well .
He famously acquired Wayne Gretzky in 1978 by advising owner Peter Pocklington, “Whatever you have to do, get him.” This pivotal move, alongside drafting Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, and Kevin Lowe, fueled one of the greatest dynasties in NHL history .
Cup Success
Sather’s leadership yielded phenomenal success:
Stanley Cups as head coach and GM: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988
Stanley Cup as GM: 1990
Record-breaking dominance: His Oilers teams captured five Cups in seven seasons, setting a .706 playoff winning percentage — still the best of any NHL head coach .
He was awarded the Jack Adams Trophy (NHL Coach of the Year) in 1986 .
These accomplishments immortalized the Oilers as an iconic dynasty, notably the only team in a twenty-team pro league to win four consecutive championships .
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Transition to the New York Rangers
In June 2000, Sather was appointed president and general manager of the New York Rangers .
Over a 24-year tenure, he steered the Rangers to steady playoff contention—making the postseason 11 of 12 seasons from 2005–06 to 2016–17 .
He held the GM position for 14 seasons and remained president for 19 before transitioning to advisory roles concluding June 26, 2024 .
Although a Stanley Cup eluded him in New York, his 2014–15 team earned a franchise-record 113 points and the Presidents’ Trophy .
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Final Farewell & Legacy
Date of retirement: June 26, 2024, announced two days after the Florida Panthers captured their first Stanley Cup by defeating the Oilers in Game 7 .
Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Sather, saying:
> “Whether with the dynastic Edmonton Oilers … or … the New York Rangers … Sather always showed a keen eye for elite talent and a deft touch … As important, he cared deeply about his players as people … supported them through any off‑ice challenges.”
Rangers GM Chris Drury added:
> “I will forever be grateful to Glen for giving me the opportunity … I was so fortunate to lean on him … I wish Glen — along with Ann and the entire Sather family — best of luck in the next chapter of their lives.” .
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Career Records & Distinctions
Role Record
NHL coaching (regular season) 497–307–121–7 over 932 games
NHL playoffs 89–37 (.706) — all-time best
GM tenure in wins & games Set Rangers record: 556 wins over 1,114 games
Hall of Fame Inducted as a builder in 1997
Unique achievement One of only two individuals to win ≥4 Stanley Cups as both coach and GM (alongside Punch Imlach)
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Beyond Club Hockey
Sather excelled internationally, guiding Team Canada to titles in the 1984 Canada Cup, 1994 World Championship, and 1996 World Cup .
His commitment to player development extended to personal mentorship—Gretzky credited Sather and his father as crucial influences .
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Why Sather’s Retirement Matters
End of an era: His departure signals the closing of a golden chapter that shaped modern NHL identity and team-building philosophy.
Hallmark of leadership: His instincts in talent acquisition (Gretzky, Messier, Coffey) and player empowerment are key takeaways for executives.
Legacy in transition: While Edmonton’s domination reshaped competitive benchmarks, his work in New York proved the value of long-term vision—even if ultimate triumph remained elusive.
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Looking Forward
Although Sather remains in his eighties, he remarked that his ties to Edmonton and New York will always hold “one of the great privileges of my life” . As he steps away, his impact endures across two iconic franchises, a dynasty crowned by five Stanley Cups, and a legacy built on talent identification and heartfelt player stewardship.
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🔍 Summary
Glen Sather retired at 80 after 60 years in hockey on June 26, 2024. He won five Stanley Cups with Edmonton (four as coach, one as GM), led and re-shaped the New York Rangers, guided Canadian national teams, and mentored generations. A master architect of dynasties and player-first leadership, Sather’s departure closes a uniquely influential career.
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