Claire Arbour was the foundation who enabled her husband, Alger (Al) to become the greatest coach in NHL history.
Claire Arbour was the foundation who enabled her husband, Alger (Al) to become the greatest coach in NHL history.
"When time were tough," former New York Islanders goalie, Chico Resch once told me, "Claire always was there to support.”
Claire's passing is mourned by hockey folks all over the world. After all, the love affair between Al -- then a Junior player from Sudbury, Ontario -- and Claire dates back to Al's Junior hockey days.
As the defenseman made his way through minor league hockey and eventually into coaching, it was always Claire by his side, attending virtually all his games and providing support for the team while at home as well.
"Claire was the one who worked with Al when he was pioneering video tape reviews to improve the team," Rich Torrey, Bill Torrey's son once told me. "Thanks to Claire, Al was able to be ahead of the game and why the Islanders remain the only NHL team ever to win 19 consecutive playoff series; let alone four straight Stanley Cups."
Vivacious and always with a smile on her face, Claire was a friend to everyone and a wonderful conversationalist. She understood her husband and was keenly aware of the nuances of being a major league coach. At times when Al might lose his temper over a hockey matter, his loving wife would calm him down.
"Claire was a very special lady," said Jim Devellano, executive vice president of the Detroit Red Wings, "a real pal and so smart about making sure that Al could his job while at the same time raising a family."
Jimmy D continued their friendship after Al retired, living near the Arbours in their Florida retreat.
Despite their public presence, both Al and Claire shunned publicity, preferring to live a quiet life away from the rink when games were not being played.
Both myself and author Zachary Weinstock tried to persuade the Arbours to do a book about their hockey lives but they graciously declined.
Claire Arbour's wonderful persona and love for her husband and hockey will never be forgotten.
R.I.P. Claire.