Ex-Hawk dies in car accident

Chicago Sun-Times ^ | 12-16-03 | AP

[JustPiper]

Ex-Hawk dies in car accident

Former Blackhawks defenseman and coach Keith Magnuson was killed in an auto accident Monday in suburban Toronto, the team said. He was 56.

Magnuson played for the Hawks from 1969 to 1980 and coached them for 1-1/2 seasons. He was riding with former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Rob Ramage, Hawks spokesman Jim DeMaria said.

''We're still investigating, but it looks like one car crossed over the center median,'' York Region Constable Steve Morrell told the Canadian Press.

Magnuson was a member of the Hawks' 75th anniversary all-star team, selected in 2001. He coached the Hawks from 1980 to '82 and had a record of 49-57-26.

''He was hard-nosed,'' DeMaria said. "He was a tough guy. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a great player.''

Magnuson continued to live in the Chicago area and remained visible with the team until his death, DeMaria said.

''He was a member of the alumni association of the Blackhawks and of the NHL,'' DeMaria said. ''He was always down at the United Center, and he always wished the team well.''

Hawks owner Bill Wirtz issued a statement extending sympathies to Magnuson's family.

''Keith was an outstanding human being, and we're all deeply saddened by this devastating loss,'' Wirtz said.

In an interview with the Sun-Times in January, Magnuson discussed his rough-and-tumble reputation. He finished his career with 1,442 penalty minutes.

"As soon as I put my skates on, I had a change of personality,'' Magnuson said. "I enjoyed hitting and body-checking, but I never went into a situation to fight, only to protect and intimidate.

"If someone was trying to get on Stan Mikita, it was my job to get him off. If someone was trying to block Tony Esposito, I cleared him out of the way. Louie Varga used to say, 'You lead with your chin,' but that was my style. I wanted other teams to know I was on the ice.''

Magnuson is survived by his wife, Cindy, and children Kevin and Molly.

[JustPiper]

Popular former Blackhawks defenseman, coach killed in crash -They were two former NHL stars coming back from the funeral of another. It was a trip that would end tragically.

Magnuson's legacy: Beast on ice, gentleman off it

'Maggie' much more than hockey - It was a sad day for the Blackhawks family Tuesday as word spread that Keith Magnuson had died in a car accident

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Gosh, that's a shock. Bless his grieving family.

[JustPiper]

It seems my generation is disappearing this year...Keith was a great guy. My MIL worked with him and he will be missed.

[JustPiper]

Ping

[nopardons]

Piper, old friend, I never gave a damn about the Blackhawks, when I lived in Chicago, and now, having not lived there for 13 + years, I still don't give a damn about them, ley alone know who any of the players are now, or ever have been. :-)

[az wildkitten]

I watched the 'hawks growing up in Chicago and Keith was my favorite player. He always gave it all he had. I remember him as always leading the league in penalty minutes.

[sistergoldenhair]

I understand he had been at a fund raiser, took time off to attend the funeral, and was on his way back to the charity appearance.

[JustPiper]

Yes, he was a good man and young