Magnuson Belongs Among Greatest Chicago Athletes

By Desmond Dozier
December 18, 2003

During the 1970's, the Chicago Blackhawks were a team in transition. Only 10 years removed from its last Stanley Cup championship, the team remained competitive, but was also faced with the sometimes harsh realities and constant changes in the world of sports.

As the NHL expanded, exciting new rivalries were created against teams such as the St. Louis Blues and the Minnesota North Stars. But the league and its teams were also faced with new challenges such as free agency, a new professional hockey league to compete with, and declining attendance.

Die-hard fans still stuck with the team, however, and it can be argued that the 1970's-era Blackhawks produced some of the most exciting and passionate hockey memories in team history. The old Chicago Stadium was still filled to capacity every night, and the team regularly displayed the toughness and tenacity that have long been a trademark of this proud franchise. During this time, no one on the team exemplified these traits better than Keith Magnuson.

A classic stay-at-home defenseman, Magnuson joined the Blackhawks in 1969. He would occupy a spot on the blue line for the next 11 seasons, and a place in the hearts of Blackhawks fans for much longer. Magnuson was not known for his skating or scoring ability. Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, and others were around to fulfill those needs. What Magnuson possessed were the other two most essential elements for a hockey team: leadership and toughness.

Magnuson never hesitated to drop his gloves, and while he lost more fights than he won, his willingness to stand up for his teammates did not go unnoticed by the fans and his peers. He set a new team record for penalty minutes and very rarely lit the lamp, but his teammates and the organization respected him enough to eventually award him the honor of team captain.

Upon his retirement in 1980, Magnuson was named head coach of the Blackhawks, although he only remained in the post for a season and a half. So beloved was "Maggie" by the fans and the organization, that he was recently voted onto the Blackhawks 75th Anniversary Team, and made regular appearances at Blackhawks games at the United Center.

Off the ice, Magnuson belied his tough demeanor as a player in many ways. He was the first NHL player to earn a college degree before entering the league, having graduated from Denver University in 1968. After his playing and coaching career ended, Magnuson remained a visible part of the Blackhawks family. He was an active member of the Blackhawks alumni and regularly participated in charitable events throughout the Chicago area.

Magnuson was a familiar face at golf outings, alumni hockey games, autograph signings, and even pinch-hit as a studio analyst for television broadcasts of Blackhawks games on Fox Sports and the now defunct Sportschannel. He also served as president of the NHL players' Alumni Association. He worked as a vice-president for the Coca-Cola Company in the western suburbs and he and his family were valuable members of the local community.

Chicago sports fans are known for holding their teams and athletes in high regard. And those who are held in the highest regard are the ones who illustrate the workman-like nature and determination of the city: Walter Payton, Ernie Banks, Minnie Minoso, and Dick Butkus are a few examples of the athletes who fit that description.

Without a doubt, Keith Magnuson also belongs on the list. He leaves behind a wife and two children and the undying love and admiration of an entire generation of Blackhawk fans.

Rest in peace, Maggie. We are gonna miss you.

Desmond Dozier is a freelance writer and Blackhawk fan living in Chicago. He wrote this article in September about the Oldest Living Blackhawk, Pete Palangio.