obit_072020

Jack McIlhargey, a former NHL defenseman and assistant coach, died Sunday from cancer. He was 68.

McIlhargey played 393 games for the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks and Hartford Whalers from 1975-82.

He was an assistant with Vancouver from 1985-91 before coaching Canucks affiliates in the American Hockey League for eight seasons.

The Edmonton native returned to the NHL as a Canucks assistant from 1999-2003 and as their associate coach from 2003-2006.

McIlhargey was an assistant under coach John Stevens with the Flyers from 2007-09 and was an amateur scout for Philadelphia since 2011.

The Flyers issued the following statement:

"The Flyers are saddened to hear of the passing of Jack McIlhargey. Jack began his NHL career with our organization and contributed to our success in a variety of ways, which included player, assistant coach and current scout. He helped our team to three Conference Championships, including two as a player. Jack will be deeply missed, but his legacy with our team will be felt for years to come. He was a large part of drafting the players on today's team and the ones currently in our system who will make up a new generation of Flyers. Our condolences go out to Jack's wife, Karyne, and his three daughters, Erin, Georgia and Anna."