John Brophy (Photo: Norfolkadmirals.com)
NORFOLK, Va. – Former Norfolk Admirals and Toronto Maple Leafs coach John Brophy passed away Monday at the age of 83. He had been battling health issues.
Brophy was the head coach of the Maple Leafs from 1986-1989, moving to the then Hampton Roads Admirals from 1989-2000. He is credited with more than 1,000 pro coaching wins and is remembered by many for his fiery post-game rants.
The Norfolk Admirals made this statement on theirFacebook page Monday morning:
The Admirals are sad to announce that former head coach John Brophy has passed away this morning at the age of 83. Brophy coached the Admirals for 11 seasons, bringing 3 championships to Hampton Roads. The Admirals never had a losing record under Brophy, and made the playoffs each season. He amassed 1,027 pro coaching victories, with 416 coming with the Admirals. He is currently 2nd all time in pro coaching victories. Brophy also coached for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Richmond Renegades, and Hampton Gulls among many other teams. Brophy was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in 2009, and was an inaugural member of the Admirals Hall of Fame. While these numbers speak for themselves in making Brophy a legend, it was his never-ending drive to win and fiery personality that make him one of the most recognizable sports personalities in Hampton Roads history.
