The Ontario Hockey League is mourning the loss of former Soo Greyhounds, Oshawa Generals and Erie Otters head coach Paul Theriault, who has passed away at the age of 73.
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Theriault remains the longest-serving and winningest coach in the storied history of the Oshawa Generals, spending nine seasons behind their bench from 1979-89, winning two OHL championships while collecting 350 of his 476 career victories. During his time in Oshawa, the Generals produced such names as Dave Andreychuk, Tony Tanti and Jeff Hackett. Theriault’s Generals hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 1983 and 1987, finishing as runner-up at the Memorial Cup on both occasions.
Theriault, who also had two separate head coaching stints with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and also spent one season behind the bench with the Erie Otters in 1998-99, is the 10th-winningest coach in OHL history, recording 476-368-8 record with 37 ties over 889 regular season games.
Theriault served one season on an NHL bench, working alongside Ted Nolan as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres in 1996-97.
Following his time in the OHL, Theriault coached professionally in Italy, before returning to North America where he served as head coach of the NOJHL’s Soo Eagles from 2008-10.
The OHL extends thoughts and condolences to Paul’s wife Janice and family.
