Former Flyer Coach Shero Dies

Fred Shero, who won two Stanley Cups as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, died Saturday of cancer. He was 65.

Shero coached the Flyers from the 1971-72 season through the 1977-78 season. The Flyers won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975 and reached the finals in 1976, losing to the Montreal Canadiens.

He left the Flyers to coach the New York Rangers from 1978 until November 1980, leading them to the finals in his first season. He rejoined the Flyers as a special consultant last season.

Shero coached more regular-season games than any other Flyer coach, 554, and had a record of 308-151-95. His record with the Rangers was 82-74-24.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Fred Shero,” NHL President John Ziegler said in a statement. “Fred was one of the game’s great innovators throughout his coaching career.”

Shero’s 734 games rank 10th best among National Hockey League coaches and his .612 winning percentage is fourth best.