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Dick Irvin

Dick Irvin (1892–1957) was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach best known for his long NHL coaching career with the Chicago Black Hawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dick Irvin (1892–1957) was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach best known for his long NHL coaching career with the Chicago Black Hawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens. He won four Stanley Cups as a coach and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958, a year after his death. Irvin coached in the NHL for 26 full-time seasons and reached the Stanley Cup Final 16 times.

Early life and playing career

Irvin was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and played hockey in western Canada before reaching the NHL. His playing career was cut short by injury after he joined the Chicago Black Hawks organization. He also served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.

Coaching career

Irvin became one of the NHL's most successful coaches, leading the Black Hawks, Maple Leafs, and Canadiens. His teams won four Stanley Cups and appeared in the Final 16 times during his coaching career. He won one Stanley Cup with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1932 and three with the Montreal Canadiens in 1944, 1946, and 1953.

Records and recognition

He retired with 692 regular-season coaching wins, the most in league history at the time. Irvin was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958, initially for his playing career.

Personal life and death

Irvin died in Montreal in 1957 at age 64 after a battle with bone cancer. His son, Dick Irvin Jr., later became a well-known Canadian hockey broadcaster and author.

Key facts

  • Irvin coached in the NHL for 26 full-time seasons and reached the Stanley Cup Final 16 times.
  • He won four Stanley Cups as a coach: one with the Toronto Maple Leafs and three with the Montreal Canadiens.
  • At the time of his retirement, he held the NHL record for coaching victories with 692 regular-season wins.
  • He also played in the NHL before his career-ending injury.
  • He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958.
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Canadian context

Irvin was born in Hamilton, Ontario, played and coached in Canadian hockey, won three Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, and is part of Canada’s Hockey Hall of Fame tradition.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Dick Irvin?
He was a Canadian ice hockey player and NHL coach best known for winning four Stanley Cups behind the bench.
Which teams did Dick Irvin coach?
He coached the Chicago Black Hawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens.
How many Stanley Cups did Dick Irvin win as a coach?
He won four: one with Toronto and three with Montreal.
Was Dick Irvin a Hockey Hall of Famer?
Yes. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958.
Did Dick Irvin play in the NHL?
Yes. He also played professionally, including for the Chicago Black Hawks, before moving into coaching.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Irvin
    Supports: Birth date and place, coaching record, Stanley Cups, death, and Hall of Fame induction
  2. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/player/dick-irvin-8447020
    Supports: Playing career, Hall of Fame induction, and death date
  3. Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame — https://sasksportshalloffame.com/inductees/dickinson-dick-irvin-sr/
    Supports: Playing career, coaching tenure, teams coached, Stanley Cups, and Hall of Fame induction
  4. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/news/dick-irvin-became-1st-to-coach-1-000-nhl-games-75-years-ago-today
    Supports: 1,000 NHL games coached, Stanley Cup wins, and coaching achievements