Glen Sonmor

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Glen Sonmor (born April 22, 1929 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) is a former professional hockey player, scout and coach.

Sonmore was a left winger who played two seasons (1953–1955) in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers. Sonmor was considered a highly physical player known for his fighting abilities, but suffered a severe injury to his left eye in 1955 when butt-ended by an opponent's stick.^[1] Stories of Sonmor's glass eye popping out onto the Minnesota North Stars bench during his coaching career are told by Lou Nanne.^[2]

Sonmor coached at various levels in Junior ice hockey, at Ohio State University, and at the University of Minnesota. He joined the fledgling Minnesota Fighting Saints of the World Hockey Association as coach and general manager in 1972. Sonmor gave up coaching duties in the middle of the 1972–73 season, but continued as GM. After the original Fighting Saints folded in 1976, the WHA's Cleveland Crusaders moved to St. Paul and changed their name to the New Minnesota Fighting Saints. Sonmor was hired as the New Saints' coach and general manager. The New Saints folded in January 1977. Sonmor later coached the WHA's Birmingham Bulls.

Sonmore was head coach for the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League for four seasons, leading the team to the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals, only to lose in five games to the New York Islanders.

Sonmor currently works as a radio analyst on University of Minnesota hockey games on the Golden Gopher Radio Network, which includes WCCO-AM.

[edit] References

1. ^ Fischler, Who's Who in Hockey, p 395, 2003, Andrews McMeel Publishing
2. ^ Showers, Minnesota North Stars: History and Memories With Lou Nanne, 2007 Beavers Pond Press