John Cunniff * Coaches Category

Player:
All American Boston College
U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, 1968
U.S. National Hockey Team, 1975
Hartford Whalers
Coach:
Hartford Whalers
New Jersey Devils
Boston Bruins
Olympic Teams 1994-1998-2002
National Teams 1991-1992-1993
National Junior Teams 1992-1993

Born: July 9, 1944, South Boston, Massachusetts
Died: Albany, NY May 9, 2002

South Boston Ma. ---  John Cunniff is endeared to the members of Massachusetts Hockey. For his selfless time and effort dedicated to our association. John Cunniff and Tim Taylor (Yale University) started our In-State -Training-Camp. The program incorporates a curriculum used at USA Hockey National Training Camps designed to enhance the overall development of highly skilled and motivated athletes seeking to excel. John taught at many of the coaches seminars before moving on into the coaching ranks of the NHL. It is fitting that we name the State camp in his honor.

Longtime international and professional ice hockey coach John Cunniff passed away May 9, 2002 in Albany (N.Y.) Memorial Hospital near his home following an extended battle with cancer. A South Boston native, he was 57.

John started his NHL coaching career as an assistant coach for three seasons with Terry O'Reilly, Boston Bruins. Moving to the New Jersey Devils as head coach. After a two year stint he moved to the teams AHL Affiliate (Albany River Rats) . Cunniff is in his fifth season as head coach of the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats, the top minor-league affiliate of the NHL's New Jersey Devils. Last season he led Albany to its fourth consecutive appearance in the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs, two of which included berths in the conference finals (1996-97 and 1997-98). His overall record with the River Rats is 157-125-33.
The longest tenured head coach in the AHL, Cunniff's involvement in 12 seasons with the Devils organization includes serving as head coach of the NHL club for two seasons, in 1989-90 and 1990-91. During his time as head coach, Cunniff guided the Devils to a 59-56-18 record in 133 regular-season games and an appearance in the 1990 Stanley Cup Playoffs.. In addition, he guided the Hartford Whalers for 13 games as head coach in 1982-83. As the Olympics approach John has been called back to the Devils as Special Scouting Staff.
In 1998 he received the Walter Yaciuk Award, presented by Easton, from USA Hockey for his outstanding contributions to the organization's Coaching Education Program. Cunniff was also set to receive the 2002 USA Hockey Distinguished Achievement Award during the organization's annual President's Awards Banquet next month in Colorado Springs. The honor, to be given to Cunniff posthumously, is awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions, on or off the ice, to the sport in America.

John would speak with the beginning coach or to an NHL owner with same honesty and dedication to the game.
"He was the catalyst that brought me to the position in which I am in hockey today, he was my mentor, my teacher" Dan Esdale President of Massachusetts Hockey.

John was a native of South Boston and he never forgot his roots. The Cunniff family has been a fixture in hockey in Massachusetts for as long as I can remember and brother Ted Cunniff has been a long time member of South Boston Youth Hockey and holds the title of President.
John has done more openly and behind the scenes for hockey in Massachusetts then will ever be known, he was actively involved in the Coaching Achievement Program, the Satellite Training Camp, the Spring Hockey Festival and was always available for consultation on matters about or concerning Massachusetts Hockey.

John is survived by four children: Christopher (36), Patrice Linehan (35), Paula Jaber (33), and David (31), as well as seven grandchildren: Hannah (3), Shane (1) Cunniff; Kai (2), Cade (5 mo.) Linehan; Luke Jaber (2); and David (4), and Patrick Cunniff (2).

Interview Room 2002 Olympics