Jack Evans (ice hockey) facts for kids

William John Trevor "Jack" Evans (born April 21, 1928 – died November 10, 1996) was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach. He played as a defenseman for 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the New York Rangers and the Chicago Black Hawks. Later, he became a coach for several NHL teams.

Early Life and Learning Hockey

Jack Evans was born in Garnant, Wales. When he was young, his family moved to Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. He didn't speak English until he started school.

Jack didn't begin playing hockey until he was 14 years old. Even though he started late, he learned very quickly. By age 20, he was a top defenseman in junior hockey. He even played in the 1948 Memorial Cup, a big junior hockey championship. That same year, he signed a contract to play for the New York Rangers' minor league team.

Playing in the NHL

Jack Evans played a few games for the New York Rangers over two seasons. He spent time gaining experience in the American Hockey League. For the next four years, he was a valuable backup defenseman for the Rangers. He would play when needed, helping the team's defense.

During the 1954–55 NHL season, Jack became a regular player for the Rangers. He played important minutes on the defense for the next three years. In 1958, the Chicago Black Hawks picked him up. He continued to play a similar role for them for four more seasons. Jack was a member of the Black Hawks team that won the Stanley Cup in 1961. This is one of the biggest achievements in hockey! He also played in the 1962 NHL All-Star game.

In 1964, the Black Hawks let Jack go. But he didn't stop playing hockey. He continued to play in different minor leagues until he retired in 1972. He was 44 years old when he stopped playing professionally.

Becoming a Coach

After his playing career, Jack Evans became a coach. In 1974, he started coaching the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in the WHL. He did so well that he was named coach of the year!

The next year, he was promoted to coach the California Golden Seals, an NHL team. He coached the team during its last year in California. Then, the team moved and became the Cleveland Barons. Jack coached them for two seasons. The team had financial problems and later joined with another team.

Jack later coached in the ECHL. In 1983, the Hartford Whalers hired him. In his third season with the Whalers, he led them to the playoffs. In 1987, his team even won their division title! However, after a difficult season the next year, Jack was fired mid-season.

Later Life and Death

Jack Evans passed away in 1996 at his home in Manchester, Connecticut. He was 68 years old and died from prostate cancer.

Jack Evans's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database