Former NHL coach Pat Quinn dies

Quinn played over 600 NHL games for three franchises - the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Atlanta Flames (now Calgary) - from 1968-77, before a long coaching career.

He coached in 20 NHL seasons, taking each of the Philadelphia Flyers and the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals - but did not taste the ultimate success.

But Quinn's finest hour was breaking Canada's 50-year wait for a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, when he coached the national team to glory at Salt Lake City in 2002.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Quinn was a committed servant of the game.

"Whether he was playing for a team, coaching a team or building one, Pat Quinn was thoughtful, passionate and committed to success," Bettman said.

"Pat's contributions to hockey, at every level, reflected the skills he possessed and the great respect with which he treated the sport.

"The National Hockey League, one of the many organisations to benefit from his devoted service, sends heartfelt condolences to Pat"s loved ones and his many friends around the hockey world."

Mike Babcock, current coach of the Detroit Red Wings, said Quinn was an influential advisor to him when he led the Canadians to gold in Vancouver four years ago.

"Pat Quinn, when I was Olympic coach in 2010, was great assistance to me, great man, unbelievable presence," Babcock said.

"Intelligent, intelligent guy. Great at handling the media in Toronto, maybe the last guy who was able to do that. Spent his whole life in the game."

Quinn's last active duty in the NHL was coaching the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009-10 season.