Doug Barkley

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Doug Barkley (born on January 6, 1937 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) was a professional ice hockey defenceman and, after his playing career, was head coach of the Detroit Red Wings for two separate occasions.

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[edit] Playing career

Barkley's playing career ended tragically from an on-ice accident that rendered him blind in his right eye. On January 30, 1966, Barkley, playing for the Detroit Red Wings, was battling with Chicago's Doug Mohns for a puck at the blueline. Mohns attempted to lift Barkley's stick, but missed, and struck the bent-over Barkley directly in his right eye. Barkley would never play again. In 253 NHL games Barkley recorded 24 goals and 80 assists for 104 career points.

[edit] Coaching career

Following his career ending injury, Barkley joined the Detroit front office, working in public relations and as a troubleshooter. He was appointed head coach of the Fort Worth Texans in 1969 (Detroit's farm team), and just a year later he was coaching the Red Wings. He coached less than one season before quitting due to the teams slow start. He returned to coach the Wings again in 1975, but lasted just 26 games before being fired and replaced by Alex Delvecchio, a former teammate. He now lives in Calgary, Alberta.[1]

[edit] External links

Preceded by
Ned Harkness
Detroit Red Wings head coach
1970–1972
Succeeded by
Johnny Wilson
Preceded by
Alex Delvecchio
Detroit Red Wings head coach
1975–1976
Succeeded by
Billy Dea

[edit] References

  1. ^ Doug Barkley's biography at Legends of Hockey Retrieved Jan. 19, 2008.