OHL Mourns the Loss of Tom McCarthy
The Ontario Hockey League is saddened by news of the loss of former Oshawa Generals forward and Minnesota North Stars standout Tom McCarthy who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 61. McCarthy had retired and was living in Mexico, passing away as a result of heart complications.
One of two players selected ahead of Wayne Gretzky in the 1977 OMJHL Midget Draft, McCarthy was chosen first overall by general manager Sherry Bassin and the Generals from the North York Rangers and had an immediate impact the following season, finishing his rookie campaign with 93 points (47-46–93) in 62 games. The big left-winger came back a year later and racked up 144 points (69-75–144), six shy of league scoring leader Mike Foligno.
Taken 10th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1979 NHL Draft, McCarthy would go on to play the next seven seasons in green and gold before finishing out his NHL career in the Boston Bruins organization. He played his final NHL contest at the young age of 27, a career cut short by injuries. He played in the 1983 NHL All-Star Game during his most productive NHL season, one that yielded 76 points (28-48–76) over 80 games with the North Stars.
Reinventing himself following legal troubles that resulted in prison time as further documented by Insauga.com’s Neate Sager, McCarthy discovered a gift for coaching and stepped behind the bench upon his release. He enjoyed a successful coaching career with stops in the GTHL, the Tier II Jr. A Huntsville-Muskoka Otters, Trenton Golden Hawks, North Bay Trappers, Espanola Rivermen/Express along with a brief stint spent coaching in Romania. McCarthy steered the North Bay Trappers to an NOJHL championship in 2013.
The League extends thoughts and condolences to Tom’s widow, Tina at this most difficult time.
For more on the life and career of Tom McCarthy, visit the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“Hockey was his vehicle, whether as a player or coach – caring for others was his message.”
– The McCarthy FamilyThe NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Tom McCarthy has passed away suddenly from a pre-existing medical condition at the age of 61. pic.twitter.com/1gkIcFWuY5
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) April 14, 2022