Emile Francis

Born September 13 1926, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, was Hockey Hall of Fame Coach Emile Francis. The "Cat" as he was known, was a Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and general manager in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Chicago Black Hawks and New York Rangers from 1946 to 1952. After playing minor league hockey until 1960, he became the Rangers assistant general manager in 1962 and later general manager of the Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers from 1964 to 1989.

Francis began his coaching career with the Rangers in 1965. He led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1972, but they lost to the Boston Bruins. Francis was fired by the Rangers in 1976, but he was hired by the St. Louis Blues the following year. He led the Blues to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981, but they lost to the New York Islanders. Francis was fired by the Blues in 1983, but he was hired by the Hartford Whalers the following year. He retired from coaching in 1989.

Francis was a demanding coach who was known for his fiery temper. He was also a master tactician who was able to get the most out of his players. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.

Here are some of the highlights of Emile Francis' NHL coaching career:

Led the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1972
Led the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982
Emile Francis was a successful coach who had a major impact on the NHL. He was a demanding coach who was known for his fiery temper, but he was also a master tactician who was able to get the most out of his players.

Welcome, hockey fans, to a journey through the hallowed halls of hockey history! We're embarking on a series dedicated to the elite few – the immortals enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

From the pioneers who carved their names on the frozen canvas to the modern-day marvels redefining the sport, the Hall of Fame boasts a pantheon of legends. These are the players whose brilliance, dedication, and impact on the game have earned them a place among hockey's royalty. Welcome to the section that celebrates the house where the North American Ice Hockey Legends reside in memorium for future generations to respect what they have done for the game.

Here, you will find the players in the Hall and examine the top players at each jersey number in our ongoing pursuit to preserve the player, uniform, and team history.