Gerry Cheevers, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, is best remembered not only for his stellar playing career but also for an unprecedented moment in NHL coaching history.
On March 3, 1979, while still wearing his full goaltending equipment, Cheevers stepped behind the Boston Bruins bench to replace an ejected Don Cherry, guiding the team to a 6‑3 victory over the Minnesota North Stars.
The game marked the only time in hockey history that a coach led his team to a win while still equipped with pads, skates and a mask, and it resulted in a shutout for rookie net‑minder Jim "Seaweed" Pettie, who recorded his first and only NHL shutout.
From Player to Coach
Cheevers’ transition from the ice to the bench was marked by a series of milestones. After being officially named the 14th coach of the Boston Bruins on July 7, 1980, he guided the club to its first win of the 1980‑81 season on October 9, a 6‑3 triumph over the New York Rangers.
That victory came after a pay cut that saw him earn $80,000 for the campaign, a stark contrast to the fortunes he had enjoyed as a player, where he had captured two Stanley Cups with Boston in 1970 and 1972.
Known for a laid‑back demeanor and a repertoire of memorable quotes, Cheevers leaned heavily on the philosophies of his former mentors Don Cherry and Harry Sinden, shaping a coaching style that emphasized confidence and simplicity.
His tenure ended abruptly when he was dismissed after 56 games of the 1984‑85 season, but the impact of his brief yet distinctive period at the helm lingered in the organization’s culture.
Today, Cheevers resides in Boca Raton, Florida, where he occasionally watches the Florida Panthers and has declined to offer advice to Marco Sturm, who succeeded him as Bruins coach.
Beyond Boston, Cheevers’ career also included a stint with the Cleveland Crusaders of the World Hockey Association, where he played 191 games, and he remained connected to the sport through various Hall of Fame activities and public appearances.