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Tom Renney
Tom Renney
Tom Renney
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Thomas Renney (born March 1, 1955) is a Canadian former ice hockey coach and executive. He served as the chief executive officer of Hockey Canada from 2014 to 2022, and was previously an associate coach with the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings and also served as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers.

Key Information

Renney began his coaching career in the Western Hockey League (WHL), capturing a Memorial Cup in his two-year stint with the Kamloops Blazers. In addition to the Rangers, he has also previously coached the Vancouver Canucks for two seasons. He has participated in the coaching staff for Canada's national teams on numerous occasions, capturing a silver medal as the head coach at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Coaching career

[edit]

Kamloops Blazers

[edit]

Renney began his career behind the bench in the major junior ranks with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 1990–91.[1] He immediately established success at the junior level, leading the club to consecutive President's Cup championships as WHL champions and a Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League (CHL) champions. In his two seasons with the Blazers, Renney compiled a 101-37-6 record for a .714 winning percentage, which ranks as the all-time highest winning mark in CHL history.[2]

Vancouver Canucks

[edit]

Renney earned his first National Hockey League (NHL) coaching stint in 1996–97 with the Vancouver Canucks. He replaced Pat Quinn, who had himself taken over coaching duties from Rick Ley for the final six games of the previous season before returning to his general manager duties. He finished with a 35-40-7 record in his only full season with the Canucks, before being fired 19 games into the 1997–98 season.[3] He was replaced by Mike Keenan.[4]

New York Rangers

[edit]

Renney began his tenure in the New York Rangers organization as Director of Player Personnel, where he oversaw all facets of the team's amateur scouting operation, while assisting with the professional scouting department.[5] He was promoted to Vice President of Player Development on June 21, 2002.[6] He was instrumental in establishing an off-season conditioning and skills camp for several Rangers prospects in Calgary, Alberta, and then in New York City at the Madison Square Garden Training Center.

Renney was appointed the Rangers' head coach with twenty games left in the 2003–04 regular season, succeeding Glen Sather who wanted to concentrate on his general manager duties.[7] He led the team into the postseason in each of the three campaigns after the 2004–05 NHL lockout. The farthest the Rangers advanced in the playoffs was the Eastern Conference Semifinals (2nd round) in 2007 and 2008.

In 2009, Renney was the subject of an Internet parody, The Ranger Line Generator, that focused on the coaches' strategic shuffling of player line combinations. The website allowed users to create random line combinations based on the 2008–09 Ranger roster. The Line Generator also points out Renney's perceived misuse of Petr Průcha.[8]

With the underachieving Rangers stuck in a 2–7–3 slump and in danger of missing the postseason for the first time since prior to the lockout, Renney was fired from his duties on February 23, 2009, and replaced by TSN analyst and former Tampa Bay Lightning head coach John Tortorella, who served as the interim head coach for the last 4 games of the 1999-2000 season.[9] The club also dismissed assistant coach Perry Pearn, but retained fellow assistant coach Mike Pelino and goaltending coach Benoit Allaire.[10] The move came immediately after the Rangers dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on February 22 (Howell-Bathgate Night). Renney left the Rangers fourth overall on the club's all-time wins list for head coaches with 164.[11]

Edmonton Oilers

[edit]
Tom Renney with associate coach Ralph Krueger at the 2011 Edmonton Oilers training camp.

Renney was named associate coach of the Edmonton Oilers on May 26, 2009,[12] and was named head coach of the Oilers on June 22, 2010, once again replacing Pat Quinn.[13] On May 17, 2012, the Edmonton Oilers Management announced that his contract would not be renewed for the 2012–2013 season.[14]

Detroit Red Wings

[edit]

Renney was named associate coach of the Detroit Red Wings on July 5, 2012 under Mike Babcock.[15]

International career

[edit]

Renney served as head coach of the Canada men's national team that won a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics. He was an assistant coach of the national team that won a gold medal at the 1994 World Championships. As head coach of the national team, he won bronze at the 1995 World Championships, and silver at the 1996 World Championships. At the 1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, he won a silver medal as head coach of the Canada men's national junior team. He later served as an assistant coach for the Canada men's national team which won silver medals at the 2004 IIHF World Championship, and the 2005 IIHF World Championship.[16]

Renney served as chairman of the International Ice Hockey Federation coaching committee from 2015 to 2022.[16]

Hockey Canada executive

[edit]

Renney served as vice-president of hockey operations for Hockey Canada from 1998 to 2000, then became president and chief executive officer (CEO) in July 2014.[16] In July 2017, he appointed Scott Smith as president and remained as CEO.[17] Renney retired as CEO on July 1, 2022, and was succeeded by Scott Smith.[16]

During his tenure as CEO, Renney helped guide the Canada men's national team, Canada women's national team, and national para team to 28 medals in international competition, including nine gold, fifteen silver and four bronze medals.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

Renney attended the University of North Dakota and received a degree in physical education.[18] He married Glenda Gare, the sister of former NHL player Danny Gare. They first met when Tom owned a clothing store in Trail, British Columbia.[19] Renney and his wife have two daughters.[16] His other brother-in-law, Morey Gare, was the Edmonton Oilers head pro scout until 2015.[20][21]

Coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Post season
G Win Lose Tie OTL Pts Finish Win Lose Win % Result
VAN 1996–97 82 35 40 7 - 77 4th in Pacific — — — Missed playoffs
VAN 1997–98 19 4 13 2 - (64) Fired — — — —
NYR 2003–04 20 5 11 0 4 (69) 4th in Atlantic — — — Missed playoffs
NYR 2005–06 82 44 26 - 12 100 3rd in Atlantic 0 4 .000 Lost East quarter-finals
NYR 2006–07 82 42 30 - 10 94 3rd in Atlantic 6 4 .600 Lost East semi-finals
NYR 2007–08 82 42 27 - 13 97 3rd in Atlantic 5 6 .500 Lost East semi-finals
NYR 2008–09 61 31 23 - 7 (95) Fired - - - -
EDM 2010-11 82 25 45 - 12 62 5th in Northwest - - - Missed playoffs
EDM 2011-12 82 32 40 - 10 74 5th in Northwest - - - Missed playoffs
Total 592 260 255 9 68 597 -- 11 13 .458 3 playoff appearances

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Renney

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas "Tom" Renney (born March 1, 1955, in ) is a Canadian former coach and executive renowned for his extensive contributions to the sport at junior, professional, and international levels. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Renney served as of National Hockey League (NHL) teams including the (1996–1998), (2004–2009), and (2010–2012), amassing a regular-season record of 260–255–77 across 592 games. He also led Canada's men's national to silver at the and contributed to a at the IIHF in 2004 as an assistant coach. From 2014 to 2022, Renney held the position of president and chief executive officer of , overseeing high-performance programs, development initiatives, and international competitions before retiring in July 2022. His tenure was also marked by controversies, including the handling of allegations involving national junior players, leading to settlements from a dedicated fund and federal investigations. Post-retirement, he has focused on supporting youth hockey programs and sharing insights on coaching evolution. Renney's coaching journey began in the (WHL) with the from 1990 to 1992, where he achieved a remarkable 101–37–6 record, won two President's Cups as WHL champions, and secured the 1992 national junior title. His early international experience included coaching Canada's under-17 and under-18 teams, followed by head coaching roles for the senior national team from 1992 to 1994, culminating in the Olympic in . Renney also guided to multiple IIHF medals, including silver in 2005 and participation in four such tournaments, emphasizing player development and tactical innovation influenced by mentors like Father David Bauer. In the NHL, Renney's tenure with the Rangers marked a turnaround for the franchise, as he compiled a 164–117–46 record and led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2006 to 2008, ending a seven-year postseason drought. With the Canucks, he posted a 39–53–9 mark over two seasons, while his time with the Oilers (57–85–22) included building foundational strategies amid roster transitions. Later, as associate coach for the from 2012 to 2014, he contributed to a veteran-laden squad's Eastern Finals run in 2013. Renney's , rooted in his junior hockey roots and Olympic experience, emphasized discipline, skill development, and adaptability, earning him accolades like the WHL Coach of the Year in 1991. As Hockey Canada's executive leader, Renney managed a period of growth for the organization, including successful hosting of international events and advancements in women's and para hockey programs, while navigating challenges like player participation in global tournaments. His legacy endures through his impact on generations of players and coaches, from his Cranbrook origins to his post-retirement advocacy for hockey and ethical leadership in the sport.

Early life

Upbringing

Tom Renney was born on March 1, 1955, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. Raised in the rural East Kootenay region, Renney grew up in a tight-knit mining community where hockey served as a central pillar of local identity and recreation, bolstered by local senior amateur teams like the Cranbrook Royals, which joined the Western International Hockey League in 1965. This environment, characterized by long winters and a strong emphasis on community sports, naturally fostered his lifelong passion for the game. Renney's early exposure to hockey came through participation in Cranbrook's minor hockey programs, where he developed his skills amid a supportive amateur scene that produced numerous regional talents. He later played junior A hockey. A pivotal moment occurred in 1967 during a local minor hockey banquet, when Father David Bauer, coach of Canada's national team, visited and shared insights on virtues such as commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, and excellence, profoundly influencing the young Renney's aspirations. As a youth player, he dreamed of an NHL career but was often overlooked due to his slight build for the defenseman position he favored. These formative experiences in Cranbrook laid the groundwork for Renney's deep connection to the sport, leading him to pursue further opportunities at the University of North Dakota.

Education

Renney, motivated by his roots in Cranbrook, British Columbia, attended the University of North Dakota in the mid-1970s to pursue formal training in sports. He earned a degree in physical education from the institution, providing him with foundational knowledge in athlete development, exercise physiology, and instructional methods essential for coaching. During his time at the , Renney first identified as a viable career path, viewing it as an opportunity to stay connected to hockey amid limited prospects for professional play as a defenseman. The university's physical education program influenced his early philosophy by emphasizing structured skill-building and , which he later credited with shaping his approach to player motivation and development. This academic experience instilled in him core values such as commitment, perseverance, and excellence, drawing from broader inspirations like Father David Bauer, the pioneering coach of Canada's national team whose methods Renney admired and incorporated into his own framework.

Coaching career

Early coaching roles

Following his graduation from the with a degree in , Tom Renney transitioned into coaching, leveraging his academic foundation in sports to enter the field of junior hockey. This background equipped him with practical knowledge in athlete preparation, which he applied immediately upon completing his studies in the mid-1980s. Renney's first head coaching role came in the 1986–87 season with the Trail Junior Smoke Eaters of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), a Tier II junior B league in . In this introductory position, he gained hands-on experience in leading a competitive junior team, focusing on foundational skills and team dynamics for young players aged 16 to 20. While specific win-loss records from this season are not widely documented, the role served as a critical stepping stone, allowing Renney to implement basic coaching strategies and contribute to player growth in a regional league environment. In 1987, Renney moved to the Columbia Valley Rockies, another KIJHL team, where he served as for the 1987–88 and 1988–89 seasons. Under his guidance, the Rockies achieved significant success, winning back-to-back KIJHL championships in 1988 and 1989. In 1989, the team advanced to claim the Cup as British Columbia's junior B champions and the Keystone Cup as Western Canada's top junior B squad, highlighting Renney's ability to build a cohesive and competitive program. These accomplishments underscored his early emphasis on player development, as the victories involved nurturing local talent and fostering discipline in a league known for its developmental focus. During these formative years in the KIJHL, Renney began shaping his coaching philosophy, drawing inspiration from Father David Bauer's principles of commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, and excellence, which he first encountered during his university days. This approach prioritized holistic athlete growth over short-term results, laying the groundwork for his future emphasis on mentorship and long-term skill building in higher levels of hockey.

Kamloops Blazers

Tom Renney joined the (WHL) as head coach of the in 1990, following his earlier experience with the in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, which served as a crucial stepping stone in his coaching progression. Over his two-season tenure from 1990 to 1992, Renney guided the Blazers to an outstanding overall regular-season record of 101–37–6, establishing one of the most successful junior teams of the era. In 1990–91, the team posted a 50–20–2 mark, capturing the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy for the WHL's best regular-season performance and earning Renney the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as league Coach of the Year. Despite this success, the Blazers were eliminated in the Western Conference final, losing 5–0 to the . Renney's second season in 1991–92 elevated the Blazers to championship heights, as they achieved a league-best 51–17–4 record during the regular season. In the , the team demonstrated resilience and dominance, sweeping the Tacoma Rockets 4–0 in the first round, defeating the 4–2 in the division final, and rallying to beat the 4–3 in the WHL championship series to claim the President's Cup. Hosting the at Riverside Coliseum, the Blazers advanced through the round-robin and defeated the 5–4 in the final, with forward Zac Boyer scoring the decisive goal to secure the Canadian Hockey League's top prize. This triumph marked Kamloops' first victory and underscored Renney's expertise in preparing a squad for high-stakes competition. The Blazers' success under Renney was bolstered by a talented roster of future NHL contributors, including defensemen , who earned MVP honors and first-team status in both the WHL and CHL, and , a WHL first-team known for his steady play. Forward provided grit and scoring depth with 42 goals in the regular season, while Corey Hirsch anchored the defense as WHL Player of the Year, Top , and first-team , posting a 2.44 goals-against average. Renney's approach focused on leveraging this talent through disciplined structure and player empowerment, enabling a balanced offense led by Boyer's league-leading 133 points and a robust defense that limited opponents to under three goals per game on average during the regular season.

Vancouver Canucks

Tom Renney was appointed head coach of the Vancouver Canucks on June 4, 1996, marking his first head coaching position in the National Hockey League (NHL), following his success with the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League where he won the President's Cup and a Memorial Cup in 1992. In his inaugural full season of 1996–97, Renney guided the Canucks to a record of 35 wins, 40 losses, and 7 ties, accumulating 77 points and finishing fourth in the Pacific Division but missing the playoffs. The team showed promise in structured play but struggled with consistency, particularly in finishing games against stronger Western Conference opponents. The 1997–98 season began poorly for Renney's squad, which acquired high-profile veterans like in the offseason amid expectations of contention. After 19 games, the Canucks held a disappointing 4–13–2 record, prompting his dismissal on November 13, 1997; he was replaced by , who also assumed duties as director of player personnel following the earlier firing of Pat Quinn. Renney's tactical approach emphasized a defensive system focused on technique and structure, including motivational tools like slogans such as "Master technique, but let the spirit prevail," and initial strict policies like banning beer on team flights to instill discipline. However, transitioning from junior hockey to the NHL proved challenging, as the veteran-laden roster grew frustrated with repetitive practices and a conservative style that limited offensive creativity, leading to indifferent effort and public player discontent, including instances of key stars like appearing disengaged during games. Ownership pressures from Bay Sports and Entertainment exacerbated the situation, with the franchise demanding quick results after significant free-agent investments that failed to yield early success.

New York Rangers

Tom Renney was appointed of the on March 8, 2004, for the final 20 games of the 2003–04 season, succeeding in an interim capacity before being named full-time prior to the . His tenure lasted until February 23, 2009, spanning parts of five seasons and 327 regular-season games, during which he compiled a record of 164 wins, 117 losses, and 46 overtime losses for a .572 . Under Renney, the Rangers ended a seven-year playoff drought in the 2005–06 season by finishing third in the Atlantic Division with 44 wins, then returned to the postseason in 2006–07 (third in the division, 42 wins) and 2007–08 (third in the division, 42 wins), though they were eliminated in the first round each year with an 11–13 playoff record across 24 games. Renney's coaching emphasized a disciplined, defensive-oriented system that prioritized structure and detail-oriented play to stabilize the team after years of inconsistency. This approach helped foster a culture of defensive responsibility, with the Rangers allowing two goals or fewer in 16 of their first 19 games during the 2008–09 season, contributing to an early hot streak of 10–2–1. He also played a key role in developing young talent, including Henrik , who emerged as a franchise cornerstone with his first NHL seasons under Renney's guidance, and defensemen Dan Girardi and , alongside forwards and , all of whom became integral to the team's core. Renney's prior NHL assistant experience with the provided foundational preparation for managing high-pressure environments in New York. Renney was fired on , 2009, amid a prolonged slump where the Rangers lost 10 of 12 games, dropping them from playoff contention despite their earlier promise and marking the end of his most successful NHL head coaching stint. The decision, made by general manager , was viewed as a desperate attempt to salvage the season, though deeper organizational issues beyond Renney's control were cited as contributing factors to the team's downturn.

Edmonton Oilers

Tom Renney was promoted to head coach of the on June 22, 2010, following his stint as associate coach with the team and drawing on his prior success in developing players during his tenure with the . His appointment came amid the Oilers' ongoing rebuild, with the organization seeking stability and a focus on integrating emerging talent into the NHL lineup. Renney emphasized a patient, process-oriented approach to coaching, prioritizing long-term player growth over immediate results in a roster heavy with prospects. In the 2010–11 season, Renney's Oilers finished with a record of 25 wins, 45 losses, and 12 overtime losses, placing 29th in the league and missing the . The following year, 2011–12, the team improved slightly to 32 wins, 40 losses, and 10 overtime losses, ending 28th overall and again failing to qualify for postseason play, resulting in an overall coaching record of 57–85–22 during his two-year stint. Despite the poor standings, which positioned the Oilers for high draft picks, Renney's tenure aligned with the franchise's rebuilding strategy, as the team intentionally to accelerate talent acquisition while fostering discipline and special teams play—elements he had honed successfully in New York. Renney placed significant emphasis on developing young players, including first-overall pick Taylor Hall, who debuted in 2010–11 and recorded 50 points in his rookie season under Renney's guidance, alongside other prospects like Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. His coaching philosophy centered on gradual integration, avoiding overexposure to high-pressure situations to build confidence and skills, which contributed to the maturation of Edmonton's core youth group during a challenging period. However, following the 2011–12 season, the Oilers opted not to renew Renney's contract on May 17, 2012, citing the need for a fresh direction in the rebuild despite his role in player development.

Detroit Red Wings

Tom Renney joined the as associate coach on July 5, 2012, under head coach , marking his return to a supportive role after serving as head coach of the . In this position, Renney focused on special teams strategy, particularly overseeing the power play unit, and contributed to player mentoring within the team's veteran core. Renney's emphasis on puck movement and speed helped elevate the Red Wings' efficiency. The unit improved from a 16.1% success rate in the 2011-12 season to 18.4% during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign, scoring 34 goals on 185 opportunities. In 2013-14, it converted at 17.7%, with 50 goals on 282 chances, providing key offensive support amid injuries to stars like . His mentoring approach, informed by prior experience developing young players, aided in maintaining team cohesion and performance among established leaders like and Johan Franzen. Over Renney's two seasons, the Red Wings posted a 63-44-23 regular-season record and advanced to the each year. In 2012-13, they finished with 56 points in 48 games and upset the in a seven-game first-round series before losing 4-1 to the in the conference semifinals. The following year, with 93 points in 82 games, they earned a wild-card spot but were eliminated 4-1 by the in the opening round. After the 2013-14 season, Renney transitioned from coaching to an executive role, accepting the position of President and of on July 15, 2014.

International career

Renney's international coaching career with Team Canada spanned over a decade, beginning in the early 1990s with roles coaching Canada's under-17 and under-18 teams. He served as head coach of the senior national team from 1992 to 1994, and encompassing major IIHF tournaments where he played a pivotal role in securing multiple medals. His experience in professional leagues, including stints with NHL teams, positioned him as a trusted leader for national duties. Renney served as head coach for Canada's men's national team at the in , , guiding a roster of non-NHL players to a after a 3-2 final loss to . The achievement marked Canada's first Olympic hockey medal since 1968 and highlighted Renney's ability to unite a diverse group under pressure. In 1995, Renney led as at the IIHF in , , earning a bronze medal with a 4-1 victory over in the bronze-medal game. The following year, at the 1996 IIHF in Vienna, Austria, he again served as , capturing silver after a 4-1 defeat to the in the final. These results solidified Canada's competitive edge in the pre-NHL participation era. Renney returned to international coaching as for Canada's national junior team at the 1999 IIHF World Junior Championship in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where the team claimed silver following a 3-2 loss to in the gold-medal game. Later, he contributed as an assistant coach at the in , , helping secure gold with a 3-2 win over in the final. In 2005, as assistant coach at the IIHF World Championship in , , he aided Canada's silver-medal finish, losing 3-0 to the in the championship game. Beyond on-ice roles, Renney extended his influence globally as chair of the IIHF Committee from 2015 to 2022, where he helped shape international standards and development programs. His tenure contributed to Canada's sustained success in IIHF events, including multiple Olympic golds post-1994 and consistent podium finishes, underscoring his lasting impact on the nation's international hockey prominence. Renney participated in 10 IIHF overall.

Executive career

Hockey Canada vice presidency

Tom Renney served as vice president of hockey operations for from 1998 to 2000. In this executive role, he bridged his prior international experience with administrative leadership, focusing on enhancing Canada's hockey infrastructure. Renney's responsibilities encompassed program development, oversight of international events, and support for high-performance initiatives within the organization. He managed aspects of national team operations, including providing technical guidance to CHA's high-performance programs and contributing to the National Coaches Development Program. These efforts emphasized structured player pathways and standards to elevate Canadian hockey at the elite level. During his tenure, Renney also took on direct involvement in team management, serving as for Canada's National Junior Team at the 1999 IIHF , where the team secured a . This achievement highlighted his contributions to player development and national team preparation, fostering a competitive edge for young athletes transitioning to international competition. His work in this period laid foundational elements for sustained success in Hockey Canada's youth and senior programs.

Hockey Canada CEO

Tom Renney was appointed as president and chief executive officer of on July 15, 2014, succeeding Bob Nicholson who had held the position since 1998. This role built on his prior experience as vice-president of hockey operations with the organization from 1998 to 2000. During his tenure, Renney focused on strategic leadership to grow the sport at levels while maintaining high-performance standards, overseeing operations that supported national teams across men's, women's, and para hockey disciplines. Under Renney's leadership, Hockey Canada's national teams achieved significant success in international competitions, securing 28 medals from 2014 to 2022, including 9 gold, 15 silver, and 4 bronze. Notable accomplishments encompassed gold and silver medals for the women's team at the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Winter Games, silver medals for the para hockey team at the 2018 and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and a bronze medal for the men's team at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Renney also championed key development programs, such as the expansion of The First Shift initiative, a partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, and Bauer Hockey launched in 2014 to introduce new families to the sport through affordable, equipment-inclusive sessions for children aged 6 to 10. Additionally, he drove governance reforms, including the implementation of an Action Plan in 2022 to combat toxic behaviors, enhance safety protocols, and promote inclusivity across the organization's programs. This Action Plan was developed in response to public and governmental scrutiny over Hockey Canada's handling of sexual assault allegations stemming from the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, including a civil lawsuit settlement and a parliamentary committee investigation in June 2022, during which Renney testified that no government funds were used for the settlement. Renney announced his retirement on April 20, 2022, effective July 1, 2022, after eight years in the role, stating it was the appropriate time to step down and spend more time with family. He was succeeded by Scott Smith, who had served as Hockey Canada's president since 2017 and assumed the combined president and CEO position.

Personal life and legacy

Family

Tom Renney married Glenda Gare, the sister of former NHL player , whom he met in , during his early coaching days there. The couple has two daughters, Jessica and Jamie. Renney and his family maintain a home in the Nelson area of , where they have chosen to base their personal life amid his professional travels. Throughout Renney's extensive career in coaching and executive roles, which often required relocations across , his family provided unwavering support, making sacrifices to accommodate his demanding schedule. In reflecting on his retirement from in 2022, Renney expressed deep gratitude to Glenda, Jessica, Jamie, and his grandchildren for their enduring backing.

Awards and honors

Tom Renney was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, recognizing his extensive contributions to the sport as a coach and executive, including leading the WHL's to a championship, coaching the and in the NHL, and serving as head coach for Team Canada at the where they earned a . In 2022, Renney received the BC Hockey Diamond Stick Award for his outstanding service to hockey in over more than a decade, honoring his leadership roles such as vice president of hockey operations and chief executive officer of , as well as his foundational work in minor and junior hockey development in the province. Renney was named a finalist for the NHL's in 2006, which recognizes the coach who contributed the most to their team's success, following a season in which he guided the to a 44–26–12 record and an Eastern Conference playoff appearance.

Post-retirement legacy

Following his retirement in 2022, Renney has continued to contribute to hockey through speaking engagements and media appearances, focusing on the evolution of coaching and support for youth programs. In 2025, he appeared on podcasts such as the Way of Champions, discussing his career and insights into player development.

Coaching record

NHL

Tom Renney's NHL coaching tenure included stints with the (1996–1998), (2003–2004 and 2005–2009), and (2010–2012), where he amassed a record of 260 wins, 255 losses, 9 ties, and 68 overtime losses over 592 games, achieving a .504 points percentage. His teams qualified for the only during his time with the Rangers, resulting in an 11–13 record across 24 postseason games for a .458 . The following table details Renney's regular season records by season and team.
SeasonTeamGPWLTOTLPTSFinish
1996–97VAN8235407774th in Pacific
1997–98VAN194132107th in Pacific
2003–04NYR2051104144th in Atlantic
2005–06NYR824426121003rd in Atlantic
2006–07NYR82423010943rd in Atlantic
2007–08NYR82422713973rd in Atlantic
2008–09NYR6131237694th in Atlantic
2010–11EDM82254512625th in Northwest
2011–12EDM82324010745th in Northwest
Renney's playoff appearances were limited to three consecutive years with the Rangers, as shown in the table below.
SeasonRoundOpponentResultGPWL
2005–06Conference QuarterfinalsLost 0–4404
2006–07Conference QuarterfinalsWon 4–0440
2006–07Conference SemifinalsLost 2–4624
2007–08Conference QuarterfinalsWon 4–1541
2007–08Conference SemifinalsLost 1–4514

International

Tom Renney served as for Canada's men's national team at the in , , where the team advanced through the tournament with a strong performance in the group stage and playoffs before securing silver with a 3-2 shootout loss to in the gold medal game. In the subsequent 1995 IIHF World Championship in , , Renney led Canada to bronze, highlighted by a semifinal overtime loss to and a 4-1 victory over the in the bronze medal match. The 1996 IIHF World Championship in Vienna, Austria, saw Renney's squad claim silver after a competitive run, culminating in a 4-2 defeat to the in the final. Renney took the helm of Canada's national junior team for the 1999 in , , guiding the host nation to silver with a 3-2 overtime loss to in the gold medal game after an undefeated preliminary round. Returning as an assistant coach for the senior team, Renney helped secure gold at the in and , , with a 5-3 win over in the final following a dominant tournament performance. He assisted again in 2005 at the IIHF World Championship in and , , earning silver after a 3-0 loss to the in the championship game. Throughout these tournaments, Renney's involvement contributed to an overall medal tally of one gold, four silvers, and one bronze for Canada. His later role on the IIHF coaching committee extended his influence in international hockey development.
TournamentRoleGames PlayedRecord (W-L-T)FinishKey Result
1994 Winter OlympicsHead Coach85-3-0SilverLost 3-2 (SO) to Sweden in final
1995 IIHF World ChampionshipHead Coach85-2-1BronzeWon 4-1 vs. Czech Republic in bronze medal game
1996 IIHF World ChampionshipHead Coach87-1-0SilverLost 4-2 to Czech Republic in final
1999 IIHF World Junior ChampionshipHead Coach65-1-0SilverLost 3-2 (OT) to Russia in final
2004 IIHF World ChampionshipAssistant Coach97-1-1GoldWon 5-3 vs. Sweden in final
2005 IIHF World ChampionshipAssistant Coach96-2-1SilverLost 3-0 to Czech Republic in final

References

  1. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4531
  2. https://cranbrook.ca/our-city/commemorative-banners/tom-renney
  3. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/tom-renney-for-the-record-1.2706949
  4. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2011-gn-004-en
  5. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/tom-renney-named-president-and-chief-executive-officer-of-hockey-canada
  6. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/tom-renney-to-retire-2022-news
  7. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39436540/hockey-canada-sexual-assault-case-scandal-news-updates
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OCxrXq86ro
  9. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/1674/tom-renney
  10. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/stte_display.php?stte_id=5374
  11. https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/new-hockey-canada-ceo-tom-renney-focusing-on-grassroots-level
  12. https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/article/whos-who-and-key-agents-of-change-in-the-hockey-canada-investigation/
  13. https://www.rockieshockey.ca/history
  14. https://chl.ca/whl-blazers/coaching-history/
  15. https://chl.ca/whl-blazers/1990-91-a-new-man-behind-the-bench/
  16. https://bchhof.com/hall_of_fame_members/kamloops-blazers-1991-92/
  17. https://chl.ca/whl-blazers/history/
  18. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0009951992.html
  19. https://bchhof.com/hall_of_fame_members/tom-renney/
  20. https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/profiles-in-coaching-tom-renney
  21. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/VAN/1997.html
  22. https://canucksarmy.com/news/throwback-thursday-today-in-1996-vancouver-canucks-hire-tom-renney-as-head-coach
  23. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/VAN/1998.html
  24. https://canucksarmy.com/news/from-the-vault-tom-renney-s-dismissal
  25. https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/trip-down-canuckery-lane-tom-renney-mightve-been-ahead-of-his-time
  26. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NYR/coaches.html
  27. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/sports/hockey/25rangers.html
  28. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/sports/hockey/03rangers.html
  29. https://www.nydailynews.com/2009/01/12/tom-renney-is-delighted-that-rangers-are-playing-better-defense/
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/05/sports/hockey/tom-renney-glen-sathers-replacement-helped-develop-lundqvist-and-others.html
  31. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-02-24/nhl-s-rangers-fire-tom-renney-amid-2-10-slide-hire-tortorella
  32. https://archive.nytimes.com/slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/renney-takes-the-fall-for-deeper-rangers-woes/
  33. https://www.coppernblue.com/2010/6/22/1530590/oilers-name-tom-renney-head-coach
  34. https://thehockeynews.com/news/head-coach-tom-renneys-post-game-criticism-of-youthful-oilers-out-of-character
  35. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/EDM/coaches.html
  36. https://records.nhl.com/coaches/94
  37. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-05-18/edmonton-oilers-fire-coach-tom-renney-after-two-losing-seasons
  38. https://oilonwhyte.com/2023/07/31/top-5-oilers-coaches-team-history/
  39. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/tom-renney-contract-not-renewed-edmonton-oilers-might-221336441.html
  40. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/tom-renney-joins-detroit-red-wings-coaching-staff/
  41. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/07/red_wings_new_associate_coach.html
  42. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/2013.html
  43. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/2014.html
  44. https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/ex-oilers-head-coach-tom-renney-joins-the-red-wings-as-associate-coach/
  45. https://olympic.ca/2014/07/15/former-olympic-head-coach-tom-renney-to-lead-hockey-canada/
  46. https://www.iihf.com/en/static/31467/iihf_committees_2021-2026
  47. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2000-nr-057-en
  48. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/1999-nr-076-en
  49. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/1998-nr-067-en
  50. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nhl/tom-renney-named-hockey-canada-president-ceo
  51. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/tom-renney-takes-the-first-shift
  52. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/corporate/about/action-plan
  53. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/no-government-funds-hockey-canada-1.6494754
  54. https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/tambellinis-cabinet-shuffle
  55. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/wharnsby-an-interesting-family-dynamic-in-sabres-rangers-series/article20438567/
  56. https://nelsonstar.com/2012/10/10/tom-renney-lending-hand-to-nelson-leafs/
  57. https://www.bcehl.net/news-listing/bc-hockeys-2021-22-award-recipients
  58. https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/sports/nhl/2006/05/05/hoc-80214-shtml/14767928007/
  59. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NYR/2006.html
  60. https://wayofchampions.libsyn.com/445-tom-renney-former-nhl-head-coach-and-hockey-canada-ceo
  61. https://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/renneto99c.html
  62. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NYR/2007.html
  63. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/NYR/2008.html
  64. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2005-nr-026-en
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