The Legacy Of A Legend

The Legacy Of A Legend

By: Kelsey Lynch

Arbour in 2007 

When I was a little I had this perfect idea in my head that I was going to be a famous singer, then a week later a ballerina, then a vet, and the list goes on. I, just like all of you, lived in a fantasy world and envisioned my life to be absolutely perfect in the future.

However, we all grow up at one point and come to realize that our idea of the future is not exactly what we expected. Making it to the big leagues or to the big screen for many only occurs when our eyes are shut, but while were dreaming, people are living that dream.

About 58 years ago, at the age of 22, Al Arbour entered the world of professional hockey and never looked back. Little did he know, that his strong defensive game and impressive shot blocking would increase his team's chance of success. Also, years later his knowledge, dedication, and technique would recreate organizations and build teams from the ground up.

You may have remembered Arbour as the guy who wore his glasses while playing. Radar was his nickname and he was the last NHL player to wear them while competing.

His 19-year playing career began with the Detroit Red Wings in 1954. However, the Red Wings had a solid group of guys holding the blue line, so Arbour spent some time playing for the Edmonton Flyers. His WHL career was short and sweet, as he was named to one of the WHL's All-Star teams.

In 1957, Arbour was a full-time Red Wing until the Chicago Blackhawks were interested, forcing Arbour to switch. He spent three short years with the Blackhawks and had a total of twenty-three points. Although, his effort did not necessarily show in stats, he made up for it on the ice. In the 1960-61 season, the Blackhawks took home the Stanley Cup after defeating Abour's former team, the Detroit Red Wings.

As he finished out the season with a victory, Arbour was going to hit the road yet again. This time he was headed back to Canada to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto was successful during the 1961-62 season, which made Arbour one of few to win consecutive Stanley Cups with two different teams.

I got the opportunity to ask Arbour a few questions about his career and the difficulties of being an NHL player. He commented about the time period saying, "Back then nobody said anything, there were no agents, and no one was there to help improve our game."

Arbour with the Stanley Cup

That being said, Arbour was a part of a successful team, which, did not work out in his favor. He spent most of his time playing for the Rochester Americans in the AHL then playing for Toronto. Even though he struggled in the NHL, his sacrificing defense ability in the AHL was recognized. He was named to the First AHL all-star team four times and was named AHLs best defenseman in 1965.

As the NHL expansion was set in place in 1967, Arbour was able to return to the NHL once again.  Arbour became a member of a new team, the St. Louis Blues. Arbour was well known in St. Louis because he was given a leadership role that greatly impacted the team. As the first captain in St. Louis history, Arbour did not disappoint. He led his team to the Stanley Cup finals three times but failed to ever obtain victory.

Arbour’s playing career came to an end in 1970 and at the age of 38 he was introduced to coaching through Scotty Bowman. After coaching two seasons with his former team, he was approached with a new offer. The offer was to take on a coaching job with the New York Islanders.

“ I loved being a player because of the team spirit. When you play a game you just play your heart out and give it your very best every time but as a coach all you can do is rely on the players to make it happen”, Arbour mentioned.

Arbour hesitated at first but was confident with the right attitude he could be successful. The Islanders record from the previous season was not one to remember considering they only won twelve games. Arbour was determined to make the best of the situation and "make the best of the players he had."

It didn't take long for Arbour's unique coaching technique to take affect. As a player, Arbour wasn't  a standout but he studied the game which increased his ability. Obtaining that knowledge as a player came in handy during his coaching years as well.

Arbour and his players had a unique relationship. He studied each of them and was aware of their personalities as players. "If you were the type of player that needed to be screamed at or if you needed compliments to increase your game, Arbour would do it," said Arbour’s son, Jay.  He would cater to their needs because he knew how to get the best out of each player.

Arbour had the ability to completely turn a team around and that's what he did. He coached the Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup victories in the years of 1978-82.

Arbour continued to coach the Islanders until the season of 1985-86. Arbour retired from the game taking an office job for the Islanders organization.

Two years later, Arbour was right back doing what he did best. He was behind the bench again, coaching the Islanders from 1988-1994. 

When Arbour official retired after the 1994 season with the Islanders, he walked away with 1,499 games under his belt, 15 Playoff Appearances, and won four Stanley Cups.

"Radar" with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Arbour’s hard work and dedication was recognized when he was awarded coach of the year 1n 1979, won the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1992, and he was inducted into the builders category of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.

His proper technique and different approach is often used today. Many coaches that remain in the game depend on Arbour’s system and frequently call him looking for advice.

As Arbour reflects on his career he states, “ My greatest accomplishment was winning the Stanley Cup both as a player and a coach. I don’t have any regrets and I wouldn’t change a thing. I worked hard and we succeeded and got where we wanted to go.”

Today, Arbour is remembered for the creation of the New York Islanders Dynasty. His love and passion for the game was clear and his legacy will live on. 

So in order to turn that impossible dream into something real, you must believe that anything is possible. We all have dreams, just like Arbour and whether or not you make those dreams come true is up to you.