This week in 1978 (May 26), the Vancouver Canucks hired their sixth coach in franchise history bringing Harry Neale behind the bench.

Neale took over from Orland Kurtenbach, who served as coach for two years.

Kurtenbach’s two years were very unsuccessful. He posted a 36-62-27 record over the time with a brutal .396 points percentage.

Neale, however, didn’t fare all too much better in the long run. Over his six seasons, he posted a 142-189-76 record with a .442 points percentage.

What Neale did do, however, was get Vancouver to the playoff four times but they never made any noise. In fact, over 14 playoff games his Canucks only won three games never advancing out of the first round.

He lasted until 1984-85, when Roger Nielson took over behind the bench.

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