Western alumni and Stanley Cup winner, Brian Conacher
By Eric Norris
1964-65 Western Ice Hockey Team
We have been so fortunate to have Eric Norris from the Masters in Public History Program join us for this Fall term. Eric’s curiosity, passion and love for history (and affection for hockey) led to him uncovering stories in our archives at the John P. Metras Sports Museum including that of Brian Conacher.
Brian Conacher, BA'68, has had an interesting career in Canadian sports, spending decades playing, coaching and managing hockey at all levels of competition. A Western alum, Conacher’s journey through the world of hockey demonstrates both his love of the sport, but also his deep admiration for education through his life as a student-athlete and advocate.
The youngest son of legendary Canadian Sportsman Lionel Conacher and the nephew of NHL Hall of Famers Charlie and Roy Conacher, Brian loved hockey from a young age and wished to follow in his father and uncles’ paths in the game. He was also influenced by his father and uncles to pursue education, which they were unable to do.
At the age of 20, Brian left high school and enrolled at Huron College. In 1962-1963, his first year at Western, Conacher played halfback for the Mustangs football team and played interfaculty hockey for Huron, achieving all-star honours in both sports. Afterwards Conacher devoted himself to hockey full-time, joining the Canadian National team at the 1964 Olympics and the 1965 World Championships, inspired by his father, who regretted not representing Canada internationally during his career. Conacher continued his studies by correspondence and during summers, eventually graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in the summer of 1968. He also briefly returned to play hockey for the revived Western men’s hockey team in the fall of 1964 before suffering a leg injury.
In 1965 Conacher turned professional, joining the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, and winning the Calder Cup. In 1966 and Conacher was promoted to the Maple Leafs roster. During his rookie season in the NHL Conacher was a steady contributor as the Maple Leafs won their last Stanley Cup to- date. After conflicts between Conacher and Leafs coach and general manager Punch Imlach, Conacher’s contract rights were released in 1968, and he floated between multiple teams. Burnt out by the behind-the-scenes power plays of professional hockey Conacher retired, although he returned to play with the Canadian National Team in 1970 and again between 1971 and 1973 with the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Nationals.
After his initial retirement Conacher began a decades long journey through the world of hockey in different positions. He started working in broadcasting in the early 1970s, did colour commentary on the 1972 Summit Series alongside Foster Hewitt, and covered hockey at the 1976 Winter Olympics for ABC. In the mid-1970s Conacher transitioned to minor league coaching and general managing later becoming general manager of the Indianapolis Racers and Edmonton Oilers. Conacher would also become President of the NHL Alumni Association, and manage building operations for Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, and the beloved Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.
Conacher remained a committed proponent of education for young athletes after his graduation from Western. By taking an unfamiliar path, choosing to attend Western and give equal focus to his education during a time when it was unheard of, Conacher demonstrates the success and excellence of Western’s student-athletes.
