Obit: NHL Player Parker MacDonald, 84

Calvin Parker MacDonald of Northford, Connecticut passed away peacefully of Thursday August 17th at the age of 84. Born June 14th, 1933 in Sydney Nova Scotia, Canada to the late Calvin MacDonald and Phylis Sellers MacDonald. Proceeded in death by his beloved wife Janice MacDonald, brothers Kenneth MacDonald and William MacDonald, daughter Lori MacDonald Cowett, and son Glen MacDonald.

He is survived by daughter Tracey (Carl) Morawa of North Branford, son James (Stacy) DeRusso of Northford, granddaughters Lilian DeRusso, Stephanie Morawa Carpenter, grandson Daniel Cowett, great granddaughter Aubrey Carpenter, sister-in-law Abigale MacDonald of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Starting in 1952, Parker had a successful 17 year career as a professional hockey player, which saw him play for 4 of the original 6 National Hockey League teams, the NY Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and the Detroit Red Wings. While with the Red Wings, Parker played in 4 Stanley Cup Finals, and in the 1962-63 season he finished 5th in the NHL in goals scored with 33.

After finishing his playing career, Parker moved to the coaching ranks. He enjoyed his most success during his time as head coach and general manager of the New Haven Nighthawks of the American Hockey League. From 1972-1980 he developed numerous players who went on to successful careers in the NHL, lead his team to 2 league championship series, and was named AHL coach of the year in 1979. At the end of the 1980 season, Parker joined the coaching staff of the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL where he spent time both as assistant and head coach before retiring after the 1982 season.

Retired after a 30 years in professional hockey, Parker returned to Connecticut and resided in Guilford and eventually Northford where he enjoyed playing golf, and spending time with his wife Janice and their faithful dog Buddy.

Family and friends may visit at the Guilford Funeral Home 115 Church St, Guilford on Thursday, August 24, from 10 – 11 am. Services will follow immediately at 11 am at the Guilford Funeral Home. Burial will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 100 Pearl St, Suite1432, Hartford, CT 06103.