Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen reports sad news from the “people behind the scenes” department today:
Former Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks coach Bob McCammon, 80, died. Energetic McCammon was one of the game’s most colorful characters.
McCammon had also worked for the Detroit Red Wings as a pro scout. He launched his coaching career in Michigan when he coached the Port Huron Flags in 1973-74. He had played for the Flags prior to coaching them.
The Vancouver Province’s Patrick Johnston penned McCammon’s obituary, highlighting the unique way McCammon prepared his players for a playoff game.
Bob McCammon was quick-witted, full of energy. Everyone in the hockey world knew him well. He was outgoing, always ready to talk hockey.
Oddly enough I met Mr McCammon at a Mecury Auto Dealership in Red Deer, AB. He approached me and at first I thought that was odd. I was wearing my Wings stuff and then he started to tell me about his scouting job. I really had never realized how demanding and difficult it was traveling by car mostly daily (this trip was in Western Canada) in the Canadian winters. I sure learned a lot in a short period of time. I thought they had to travel by air.
He treated me like everyone else and left nothing out. I still remember most of the conversation and he actually REALLY enjoyed being a scout. I first thought that was odd , traveling by car right after a game and heading to another community to get ready for the next game he wanted to scout. Never a complaint and you get to feel comfortable with him right away. Really a Great Guy and certainly filled me in with stories about hockey.
He really enjoyed everything especially Hockey. That was the last of my meeting him. What I really liked he was a genuine Hockey person and all smiles. As a person he will certainly missed by many in the Hockey world.