Minnesota hockey icon Glen Sonmor has died at the age of 86.
News of Sonmor’s death was confirmed to the Star Tribune by fellow Minnesota hockey icon Lou Nanne. The cause of his death hasn’t been reported.
Lou Nanne on former North Stars coach, #mnwild scout Glen Sonmor: "He said, 'Louie, I've gone right through life without working.'"
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 14, 2015
RIP Glen Sonmor @MN_NorthStars great!
— Mike Modano (@9modano) December 14, 2015
Most recently, Sonmor served as the color commentator on Gopher hockey radio broadcasts. He retired in 2011, nine years after his memorable reaction to the Gophers beating Maine in the 2002 National Championship game. Play the
RIP Glen Sonmor. His call starting at 1:45 of this video is one of my favorite things. https://t.co/lkYg3vOnsF
— Dave_MN (@Dave_MN) December 14, 2015
” target=”_blank”>video to hear it.
RIP Glen Sonmor. His call starting at 1:45 of this video is one of my favorite things. https://t.co/lkYg3vOnsF
— Dave_MN (@Dave_MN) December 14, 2015
The player and coach
Sonmor was the head coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team and the Minnesota North Stars, among other teams. He took over for John Mariucci as head coach of the Gophers in 1966 and stayed there until 1971, leading Minnesota to a WCHA title and a national runner-up finish along the way, according to the Gophers.
He later coached the North Stars from 1979-1983, leading them to the playoffs each of his first four seasons – including an appearance in the 1981 Stanley Cup Final.
Thank you for everything, Coach Sonmor.https://t.co/Knno0EE3kN pic.twitter.com/5E9D1uD6Qp
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) December 14, 2015
He gave an eye to the game
He played for the New York Rangers in the NHL and the Cleveland Barons and St. Louis Flyers of the AHL until he was hit in the eye by a slap shot in 1955, putting an end to his career at just 25 years old.
Glen Sonmor with Cleveland Barons the night of his eye injury pic.twitter.com/NiLwQV2mHn
— Vintage MN Hockey (@VintageMNHockey) December 14, 2015
Very sad to hear of the passing of Glen Sonmor. He was a very good friend to all in the hockey arena. #RIP
— Pat Micheletti (@patmick2626) December 14, 2015
Glen Sonmor was simply awesome. Great, great guy to talk to as I was getting into this business. Such a fun character at the rink.
— Bruce Ciskie (@BruceCiskie) December 14, 2015
https://www.facebook.com/minnesotanorthstars/photos/a.10150603135829139.391199.12655309138/10153436660209139/?type=3&theater
Our deepest condolences go to the family of former North Stars coach, Glen Sonmor. pic.twitter.com/amBEeXvL3E
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) December 14, 2015
