Michel Bergeron is a former National Hockey League head coach. Bergeron began his coaching career behind the bench of a midget team from Rosemont, Quebec. During his second season, he led the team to a national championship. He then took over for the Trois-Rivieres Draveurs of the QMJHL, leading the team to two Memorial Cup appearances. Bergeron coached the Quebec Nordiques from 1980 to 1987. His teams gained a reputation for playing a high scoring, quick paced game. As coach, Bergeron also devoted significant time to pursuing European players, adding the Stastny brothers after their defection from Czechoslovakia. His teams reached the postseason in each of seven years behind the Quebec bench, including two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. Just before the 1987 draft, Bergeron was being traded to the New York Rangers for a first round draft pick and $75 000, a first in the NHL history. Relations had become strained between the head coach and Quebec management, in spite of on-ice achievements, and Bergeron's reputation as a strong motivator enticed the Rangers, who were seeking coaching stability. 

June 12th, 1946 in Montreal (Age 78)