Boston Bruins Celebrate Cheevers' Unusual Coaching Debut on the Ice

Boston Bruins fans still talk about the night Gerry Cheevers took the bench in full goalie equipment and guided the team to a victory. On March 3, 1979, with head coach Don Cherry ejected, Cheevers suited up, patrolled the bench for the final 16 minutes and helped Boston secure a 7‑2 win over the New York Rangers.

How did Cheevers end up coaching in goalie gear?

Don Cherry’s argument with referee Greg Madill led to his ejection late in the third period of the March 3 game. With no assistant ready, the Bruins turned to former goaltender and Hall‑of‑Famer Gerry Cheevers. He slipped on his own sweater, laced his pads and took charge of the bench, a move no other NHL coach has ever repeated. The Bruins rallied, scoring three unanswered goals while Cheevers shouted line changes and power‑play adjustments.

What was the result of that impromptu coaching stint?

The Bruins finished the night with a 7‑2 triumph, marking Cheevers’ first official win as a head coach. Less than a year later, on Oct. 9, 1980, his first full‑season victory came with a 7‑2 demolition of the visiting New York Rangers at Boston Garden. That win helped cement his place as the 14th head coach in franchise history.

Why does this moment matter for today’s Bruins?

Cheevers’ story illustrates the club’s tradition of improvisation and resilience—traits still visible in the current roster. The Boston Bruins sit 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 45‑27 record and a two‑game winning streak, a standing that reflects the same gritty mentality Cheevers displayed. Modern coaches often cite his willingness to step into any role as a benchmark for adaptability.

How is Cheevers remembered by the organization?

Beyond the odd coaching cameo, Cheevers earned a spot on the Boston Bruins All‑Centennial Team on Oct. 12, 2023, and remains a Hall‑of‑Fame inductee. His legacy is celebrated each season, reminding players that leadership can come from unexpected places—sometimes even from behind the bench in full goalie gear.

What can fans learn from this quirky chapter?

The episode shows that the Bruins value loyalty and quick thinking over rigid hierarchy. When a coach is tossed, a former star steps in, dons his pads and still finds a way to win. It’s a reminder that every member of the organization, from the locker room to the bench, can influence the outcome on the ice.