Harry Neale
| Harry Neale | |
|---|---|
| Born |
March 9, 1937 Sarnia, Ontario, Canada |
| Previous team(s) |
Minnesota Fighting Saints Vancouver Canucks Detroit Red Wings |
| Years as a coach | 1970s–1980s |
| Years as an NHL coach | 1978–1986 |
Harold Watson Neale (born March 9, 1937) is a hockey colour commentator for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a former NCAA, NHL and WHA coach and General Manager.
Following his playing career, Neale got his head coaching start at Hill Park Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario.
In 1966, he replaced Glen Sonmor at Ohio State University. While at Ohio State, he was a physical fitness trainer for the Ohio State football team. He coached the Buckeyes for four seasons compiling a 49-48-3 record. He left Ohio State to coach junior hockey in Hamilton.
Neale was hired as assistant coach of the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the WHA in 1972. He replaced Glen Sonmor as head coach late in the 1972–73 season. He remained head coach until the Fighting Saints franchise folded during the 1975–76 season. Following Minnesota, Neale remained in the WHA as head coach of the New England Whalers for two seasons from 1976–78. He coached the Whalers to the Avco Cup Finals where they lost to the Winnipeg Jets. Between stints at Minnesota and New England, Neale was an assistant coach for the U.S. team in the 1976 Canada Cup.
Hired by the Vancouver Canucks prior to 1978, Neale coached the Canucks for almost four seasons. Late in the 1981–82 season, Neale was involved in an altercation with fans during a game in Quebec City against the Nordiques and was suspended for ten games. Assistant coach Roger Neilson was promoted interim coach during the suspension. When the Canucks lost only once in ten games, Neilson was given the job full-time as the team advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. At season's end, Neale was promoted to general manager (an arrangement made prior to the suspension).
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