Former Canucks defenseman, coach Jack McIlhargey dies at 68

Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman and coach Jack McIlhargey died at age 68 after battling cancer, the team announced Monday.

McIlhargey spent time with the Canucks as a player from the 1976-77 season until 1979-1980. He played in 167 games with the club, amassing 24 points and over 400 penalty minutes.

He also logged a five-year stint with the Philadelphia Flyers and two seasons with the Hartford Whalers. McIlhargey appeared in 393 career games, totaling 47 points and 1,102 penalty minutes.

The Flyers released the following statement:

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack McIlhargey. Our condolences go out to Jack's wife Karyne, and his three daughters, Erin, Georgia and Anna. pic.twitter.com/vIzZkDFCQ0

- x-Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 21, 2020

After retiring from playing, McIlhargey rejoined the Canucks in 1985 as an assistant coach, and he went on to spend the next 20 years coaching and scouting at various levels within the organization. He finished his coaching career as a Flyers assistant from 2007 to 2010.

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