Ab McDonald
A forward who won four straight Stanley Cups and scored the championship-winning goal for Chicago in 1961.
Alvin Brian McDonald (February 18, 1936 – September 4, 2018) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He began his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1958 and went on to play for the Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues. McDonald is remembered for winning four straight Stanley Cups: three with Montreal followed by another with Chicago. His goal in game six of the 1961 Stanley Cup Final secured the series win for Chicago, a feat they would not repeat for over 40 years.
- Role
- Player
- Affiliation
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins,
- Status
- Stanley Cup Champion (Player)
- Major Honour
- Four consecutive Stanley Cups
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
McDonald's career spanned multiple eras of professional hockey, starting with the Montreal Canadiens in 1958. He was part of a dominant Montreal squad that secured three consecutive Stanley Cup titles before his pivotal trade to Chicago on June 7, 1960. There, he became an integral piece of the Black Hawks' resurgence. The turning point came during the 1961 Stanley Cup Final. In game six, McDonald scored the decisive goal, clinching the series for Chicago and ending a championship drought that would last more than four decades. His journey didn't stop there; he later made history as the first team captain of both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets organizations. In the World Hockey Association (WHA), he also scored the very first goal for the Jets.
In Their Own Story
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final remains the defining moment of McDonald's playing career. After a grueling series, Chicago faced elimination in game six. McDonald stepped up to score the winning goal, handing his team the championship and breaking a 40-year wait for the franchise. This victory was part of an incredible run where he won four straight Stanley Cups—three with Montreal and one with Chicago. Following his NHL tenure, McDonald transitioned to the new WHA era. Selected by Winnipeg in the 1972 WHA General Player Draft on February 12, he became a foundational figure for the Jets, serving as their first captain and scoring their inaugural goal. He played 147 games for Winnipeg before retiring after the 1973–74 season.
Reader's Guide
Ab McDonald's career is defined by specific milestones and team transitions. Born in Winnipeg, he started with Montreal in 1958, earning NHL All-Star selections in 1958, 1959, 1961, 1969, and 1970. His major transaction dates include moving to Chicago on June 7, 1960; Boston on June 8, 1964; Detroit on May 31, 1965; Pittsburgh on June 6, 1967 (via expansion draft); and St. Louis on June 11, 1968. He returned to Detroit briefly in 1971 before joining Winnipeg in the WHA. His achievements include MJHL Second All-Star Team honors in 1953, Turnbull Cup championships in 1953 and 1954, and being named MJHL Scoring Champion in 1954. He was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 and named an Honoured Member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
Did You Know?
- McDonald scored the game-winning goal in Game Six of the 1961 Stanley Cup Final, ending Chicago's 40-year title drought.
- He was the first team captain of both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets organizations.
- He scored the very first goal for the Winnipeg Jets in the World Hockey Association (WHA).
- McDonald won four straight Stanley Cups: three with Montreal and one with Chicago.
- He retired after playing 147 games for the Winnipeg Jets following the 1973–74 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ab McDonald?
Alvin Brian McDonald was a Canadian professional forward born in Winnipeg who played for multiple NHL franchises during the late 1950s and 60s. He is best known for his significant time with the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Black Hawks.
What did he achieve with Chicago?
McDonald scored the decisive goal in Game Six of the 1961 Stanley Cup Final to secure the championship for the Black Hawks. This victory was particularly notable because it marked a long drought for the franchise before their next title.
How many Cups did he win back-to-back?
He is one of the few players to capture four consecutive Stanley Cups during his career. Three of these titles came with Montreal, while the fourth was won alongside Chicago.
Which teams did he play for in total?
Beyond his famous stints in Montreal and Chicago, McDonald also played for Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. His professional journey began in 1958 before concluding over a decade later.
When did Ab McDonald pass away?
The legendary forward passed away on September 4, 2018, at the age of 82. He was remembered fondly by fans for his contributions to hockey history across multiple teams.
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