A Legendary Coach
Pat Burns

Pat Burns’ police badge (1970 to 1986); Coach’s whistle used by Pat Burns (1990s); Stanley Cup winning tie worn by Pat Burns, Head Coach, New Jersey Devils (June 9, 2003).
Private collection, Burns family
© Canadian Museum of History

In 1983, superstar Wayne Gretzky hired Pat Burns, a Gatineau police officer and part-time coach, as head coach of the Hull (now Gatineau) Olympiques. Burns would become a hockey legend. Pat Burns once said that coaching is the toughest job in hockey. In Montréal, he became a well-known public figure. He also coached in Toronto and Boston, and won the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils.

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