OHL mourns the loss of Jim Morrison

The OHL is saddened by news of the loss of former Barrie Flyers Memorial Cup champion, NHL veteran and long-time Kingston Canadians head coach Jim Morrison who passed away this week at the age of 94.

Morrison starred on the blue line for the Happ Emms-led Barrie Flyers in 1951, hoisting the Memorial Cup before embarking on a lengthy pro career that included 704 games in the NHL, predominantly with the Toronto Maple Leafs before making other stops in Boston, Detroit, New York and Pittsburgh before retiring in 1973. His era of NHL hockey included the likes of Gordie Howe, Maurice “Rocket” Richard, George Armstrong, Andy Bathgate, Red Kelly and Johnny Bower. Morrison was also a prominent name in the American Hockey League, winning the League’s Top Defenceman Award in 1966. He was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in 2013.

Following his playing career, Morrison coached the Kitchener Rangers for two seasons from 1973-75 before stepping behind the bench of the Kingston Canadians from 1975-82 where he coached the likes of Kirk Muller, Bernie Nicholls, Tony McKegney, Ken Linseman and Scott Howson. Morrison coached to an overall record of 229-217-45 over 491 games between 1973-82.

Morrison stepped into the scouting world in 1982, joining the Boston Bruins organization where he’d remain until his retirement in the year 2000. He resided in Port Hope, ON in his later years.

The OHL sends thoughts and condolences to Jim’s family and friends.