John J. MacInnes
Inducted
August 3, 1985
When John MacInnes came to Michigan Tech as it's hockey coach in
1956, few realized what his arrival would mean to the Huskies.
Through the years, MacInnes became one of college hockey's greatest
coaches and was instrumental in shaping the Huskies into a national
hockey power. His teams won three NCAA championships and seven
Western Collegiate Hockey Association titles during his 26 seasons
at the University.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, MacInnes began playing hockey in the
Toronto Bantam leagues and worked his way through the entire junior
hockey system. He was a goalkeeper at the University of Michigan,
helping the Wolverines to a pair of league titles and a third-place
finish at the 1950 NCAA championship. MacInnes also played for the
Boston Bruins and the Detriot Red Wings before becoming director of
the Ann Arbor Amateur hockey League in 1950. He remained in that
position until coming to Michigan Tech.
MacInnes compiled an outstanding record of 555-295-39 at
Michigan Tech, making him the winningest coach in college history.
He was named NCAA Coach of the Year twice, WCHA Coach of the Year
six times, and was a charter member of the Upper Peninsula Hall of
Fame. His death in 1983 was a tragic blow to the University and the
world of college hockey.
