BOSTON (AP) — Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship over Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers in the final year before the franchises were absorbed into the NHL, has died. He was 89.

Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship over Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers in the final year before the franchises were absorbed into the NHL, has

He began his coaching career with the Capitals and spent parts of nine seasons as a head coach with the Capitals, Jets and Devils before taking on various roles with the Bruins.

BOSTON – I’ve said it and wrote it time and again about Tom McVie – he was the best storyteller in the hockey world. It’s not even close. You mention his name to anyone who knew him and immediately that person would attempt to tell a story and imitate McVie’s scratchy, deep voice. McVie passed away Sunday night. He was 89.

Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship before moving on to a head-coaching career in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, died at the age of 89.

McVie made his NHL head coaching debut when he succeeded Hall of Famer Milt Schmidt in Washington on New Year’s Eve in 1975, but he never finished higher than fourth before heading to the WHA.

Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship over Wayne Gretzky’s Edmonton Oilers in the final year before the franchises were absorbed into the NHL, has died.