https://twitter.com/GMillerTSN/status/1495503832637399040
The Rangers have announced that Emile “The Cat” Francis has passed away at 95.
Chris Drury said in a a statement, “The New York Rangers and the entire hockey world are saddened to learn of the passing of Emile Francis. Emile’s passion and dedication to the Rangers organization and growing the game of hockey in New York City was second to none. ‘The Cat’ was a true pioneer and innovator, as well as the architect and coach of some of the greatest teams in Rangers history. Emile has meant as much to the Rangers as any person who has been part of the organization throughout its history. Our thoughts are with Emile’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Glen Sather said, “I mourn the loss of my dear friend, Emile Francis. had the privilege to play for Emile, coach against him, and work in the league as a general manager at the same time as him. I always admired Emile’s passion and dedication, and he was one of the true characters of our game. I’d like to express my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Emile.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Emile Francis, a Hall of Fame coach and general manager whose infectious personality was as beloved as his hockey acumen was revered. Nicknamed ‘The Cat’ for his quick reflexes as a junior goaltender in his native Saskatchewan, the diminutive Francis appeared in 95 games with the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers over six seasons, which he spent mostly in the minors.
“But it was as a team-builder and teacher in New York that he excelled. Serving as Rangers GM/coach for a decade, Francis guided his teams to the playoffs nine straight years, produced three consecutive 100-point seasons and reached the 1972 Stanley Cup Final. He was instrumental in the development of legendary players such as Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle and Brad Park. The NHL sends its deepest condolences to his family and to his many friends and admirers.”
From the Rangers:
“Francis served as the Rangers’ general manager from October 30, 1964 to January 6, 1976, overseeing one of the most successful periods in franchise history. During Francis’ tenure as the Rangers’ general manager, the Blueshirts made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in nine consecutive seasons from 1966-67 – 1974-75 and advanced to at least the Stanley Cup Semifinals in four consecutive seasons from 1970-71 – 1973-74, which included a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 1971-72.
In addition to working in the Rangers’ front office as general manager, as well as assistant general manager prior to ascending to that role, Francis served as the Rangers’ head coach for parts of 10 seasons over three different stints (1965-66 – 1967-68; 1968-69 – 1972-73; 1973-74 – 1974-75). Francis coached 654 regular season games with the Rangers, and guided the team to a 342-209-103 (W-L-T) record (.602 points percentage). He is the Rangers’ all-time leader in wins, games coached, and points percentage (min. 100 games coached) in franchise history. Francis is also the franchise’s all-time leader in playoff wins (34) and playoff games coached (75) in franchise history.
During Francis’ tenure in the Rangers organization, he oversaw, and helped orchestrate, some of the most memorable moments in franchise history. Francis was instrumental in the formation of the ‘G-A-G Line’ of Vic Hadfield, Jean Ratelle, and Rod Gilbert, and all three players set single-season and franchise records during his tenure. Francis was the Rangers’ general manager when the team acquired goaltender Ed Giacomin from Providence of the American Hockey League in 1965 and when the team selected defenseman Brad Park with the second overall pick in the 1966 NHL Amateur Draft. The team Francis coached and helped assemble posted three consecutive 100-point seasons from 1970-71 – 1972-73, and the .699 points percentage the Rangers posted in both 1970-71 and 1971-72 remain a single-season franchise record.
In addition to his extraordinary work with the Rangers, Francis was just as influential and instrumental in growing the game of hockey in New York City. In 1966, Francis formed the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League, giving kids in New York City the opportunity to play ice hockey. Among the Rangers players who started playing hockey as a result of the Met League being formed were New York City natives Nick Fotiu and Brian Mullen. Francis also helped organize countless clinics and seminars and established ties between the Rangers and the local youth hockey community that still stand today. In 2008, the Rangers created the Emile Francis Award, given to those who have grown youth hockey around the local community.
Francis was honored with the Lester Patrick Trophy “for outstanding service to hockey in the United States” in 1982, and in that same year, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builders category. In addition, Francis received the Wayne Gretzky International Award from the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015; the award recognizes international individuals who have made major contributions to the growth and advancement of hockey in the United States.
As a player, the North Battleford, Saskatchewan native appeared in 95 NHL games as a goaltender with the Chicago Black Hawks (1946-47 – 1947-48) and Rangers (1948-49 – 1951-52).”
2/20/22 | The Rangers released more statements on Francis:
ADAM GRAVES: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Emile Francis, who was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve had the opportunity to meet. Emile’s love for hockey and the Rangers were apparent from the moment you met him. ‘The Cat’ was one of the greatest ambassadors the Rangers have had throughout their history, and his impact on growing the game of hockey in New York will continue to live on for generations to come.”
PETE STEMKOWSKI: “Emile Francis was a bundle of energy, both on and off the ice. I’ve been in the hockey business for over 50 years, and if I was putting together a list of the top five people I’ve had the opportunity to come across, he would be there. Emile always cared for his players and their lives away from the rink, and he wanted to know how he could help them. He was really the one responsible for starting amateur hockey in New York and growing the game for kids throughout the city. Emile will be sorely missed.”
BRIAN MULLEN: “Emile Francis had the biggest influence on my hockey career, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me, my brother, and countless kids in the New York Metropolitan Area. Emile had the foresight and realization that kids he saw playing hockey on roller skates in the streets of Manhattan could play at higher levels if given the opportunity to do so on ice. Emile’s impact in growing the game of hockey in New York and the United States cannot be overstated, and I feel so fortunate to continue what he started by helping introduce kids to hockey today. It was an honor to know Emile, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
2/21 | The Rangers released more statements:
BRAD PARK: “I have great affection for Emile Francis as he was the most organized coach I ever played for. He allowed me to become the player that I was capable of and encouraged me many times to be a true New York Ranger. As a general manager he was honest and straightforward. Thank you, Emile!”
EDDIE GIACOMIN: “Sharing a common trait in being a goaltender for the New York Rangers, the relationship I had with Emile Francis was powerful and influential as I progressed through my career in the NHL. On a personal note, Emile was like a second father to me. His trust and loyalty helped shape the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the belief he showed in me!”
NICK FOTIUL “Growing up in Staten Island when I did, hockey wasn’t as accessible to all as it is now. That changed in the mid-60’s when Emile Francis started institutions like the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League that gave kids in New York City the opportunity to learn and love the sport of hockey. With his guidance, Emile sent me to Cape Cod to play for the NY Ranger farm team, and that allowed me to become the first New York City native to don the Blueshirt. His inspiration will be felt beyond his years throughout the city, Madison Square Garden and beyond. Many are grateful because of that, including me. My most sincere condolences to the Emile Francis family.”