Born September 13 1926, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Coach Emile Francis. The "Cat" as he was known, played the position of Goaltender for the Chicago Black Hawks and New York Rangers from 1946 to 1952. This legendary bench boss helped the New York Rangers from 1965-75 and later the St. Louis Blues to some great seasons on the ice. Francis also served as the General Manager of the NY Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and later the Hartford Whalers. Sadly after leading the Rangers to nine consecutive playoffs appearances in the late 60s and early 1970s, Francis in five decades as a player, coach and executive could not help the team to a Stanley Cup Championship.