Marc Crawford

Marc Joseph John Crawford (born February 13, 1961) is a Canadian professional ice hockey head coach with the ZSC Lions of the National League A. He was previously the head coach of four other organizations and won a Stanley Cup in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche. He is also a former professional ice hockey forward who played for the Vancouver Canucks.

Early life

Marc Crawford was born on February 13, 1961. During his teenage years, Crawford attended Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville, Ontario.

Playing career

Crawford was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft in the fourth round, 70th overall. After three seasons of major junior in the QMJHL with the Cornwall Royals, he joined the Canucks in 1981–82.

As a rookie, Crawford was a part of Vancouver's 1982 run to the Stanley Cup finals in which the Canucks were defeated by the New York Islanders.

During his six seasons in the NHL, Crawford would split time between Vancouver and their AHL affiliate, the Fredericton Express. As a result of constantly flying between the two cities, which are over 5,000 kilometers apart, he earned the nickname "747", though most contemporary Canucks fans know him as "Crow", a nickname coined during his tenure as a head coach with the team.