R.I.P. Claude Ruel, 76

[CentreHice]

Just heard on TSN690.

No details online yet.

An important member of the Habs' organization during the glory days. Two head coaching stints as well…including a Stanley Cup in 1968-69.

Credited with discovering/pushing for Larry Robinson and Bob Gainey. He also pushed for Mike Bossy….but Pollock went with his other scouts and drafted Mark Napier.


Ruel--Eyes on the Prize

Ruel--Wikipedia Bio

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Terrible news ... RIP ...

[CentreHice]

Great picture from the Gazette, briefly announcing his passing. March 7, 1970. Ruel and Fergie.

[NWTHabsFan]

Another piece of our history passes. RIP.

[seventeen]

I remember him less of a head coach (where he was probably in over his head) than as a scout and developer of talent. He was never comfortable in the coaching role, but he was terrific with assessing talent and working with the kids. HE spent hours after practice with guys who needed extra work. Yes, another tie to the glory days. You'll be missed, Claude.

[Polarice]

Feb 9, 2015 11:46:45 GMT -5 seventeen said:

I remember him less of a head coach (where he was probably in over his head) than as a scout and developer of talent. He was never comfortable in the coaching role, but he was terrific with assessing talent and working with the kids. HE spent hours after practice with guys who needed extra work. Yes, another tie to the glory days. You'll be missed, Claude.

This, I never thought of him as a coach. I thought of him as a scout. He had a knack of finding talent that nobody knew anything about, wish we had someone like that now!!