Claude Ruel, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetClaude Ruel
Canadian ice hockey coach
Date of Birth: 
Place of Birth: Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
About Claude Ruel
- Claude Ruel (September 12, 1938 – February 9, 2015) was a professional ice hockey coach for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Ruel grew up playing hockey in Sherbrooke.
- He was considered to be a promising young defensive talent, despite his diminutive stature.
- However, during a game in 1958, he was struck in the eye by a deflected puck.
- Following the injury, he was hospitalized for three months, but his eyesight could not be restored.In the early 1960s, Ruel received his first coaching job, taking a position with the Montreal Junior Canadiens.
- He became a key part of the Montreal farm system, serving as one of the team's top scouts.
- He later was elevated to the front office of the NHL club and served as director of player development.[1] Ruel was hired to coach the Habs in 1968, replacing the legendary Toe Blake.
- He led a talented group of players to a Stanley Cup championship during his first year.
- However, the following season, Montreal was the odd team out in a tight, five-team "Original Six" battle for four playoff spots.
- He started the 1970-71 season behind the bench, but decided to step down 23 games into the season because the pressure of life behind the bench was affecting his health.
- He subsequently returned to his role director of player development, but he took over as Montreal coach again in 1979, leading the team for one and a half years during the waning days of the 1970s dynasty. Ruel died on February 9, 2015.
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