The Calgary Flames organization and the wider hockey community are in mourning following the death of franchise icon Guy Chouinard at the age of 69. The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) announced the sad news on Sunday.
A Pioneering Flame and Historic Scorer
Chouinard holds a permanent place in Flames lore for scoring the first goal in the team's Calgary history. After the franchise relocated from Atlanta in 1980, it was Chouinard who found the net in their new home at the Stampede Corral. He played a total of nine seasons with the Flames organization, spending three of those pivotal years in Calgary following the move.
While he etched his name into the record books with that inaugural goal, Chouinard was celebrated primarily for his exceptional playmaking ability. Former teammate and Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald once called him "probably the purest passer I'd ever played with." This sentiment was echoed by another former Flame, Jim Peplinski, who stated, "There hasn't been a handful of people in the history of the National Hockey League who can pass better than Guy Chouinard."
A Stellar Playing and Coaching Career
Born in Quebec City, Chouinard was a dominant force in junior hockey with the Quebec Remparts from 1971 to 1974. He transitioned seamlessly to the professional ranks, amassing 575 points in 578 NHL games. His most prolific scoring season came in 1978-79 with the Atlanta Flames, where he tallied 50 goals.
In the Flames' franchise record books, Chouinard still ranks eighth in assists (336) and ninth in points (529). He also shares the single-game record for most assists, registering six helpers in a February 1981 victory over the New York Islanders. His playmaking was central to Lanny McDonald's team-record 66-goal season in 1982-83, during which Chouinard recorded a career-high 59 assists.
After concluding his playing career with the St. Louis Blues, Chouinard embarked on a highly successful second act behind the bench. From 1985 to 2010, he became one of the greatest coaches in QMJHL history, racking up 515 victories. He led the Longueuil Chevaliers to a league championship and a Memorial Cup appearance in 1987, cementing his legacy in Canadian hockey. His contributions were recognized with an induction into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 2005.
A Lasting Legacy in Hockey
Chouinard's legacy extends beyond the rink. He is the father of Eric Chouinard, a former NHL player who now serves as Vice President of Hockey Operations for the QMJHL. The league's statement expressed profound sadness and extended deepest sympathies to Eric and all of Guy Chouinard's loved ones.
The passing of Guy Chouinard marks the loss of a foundational figure for the Calgary Flames and a revered personality across multiple levels of hockey in Canada. He is remembered not just for a historic goal, but for his sublime skill, his successful coaching career, and his enduring impact on the sport.
