Doug Risebrough
A player during the move from Atlanta, later head coach for the 1981-82 season.
Doug Risebrough is a Canadian former player, coach, and general manager in the National Hockey League. He was traded to the Calgary Flames on September 11, 1982, and spent the next five years with the Flames. During his tenure with Calgary, Risebrough skated as the Flames co-captain then tri-captain for four seasons, with both Lanny McDonald and Jim Peplinski. In 1986, as a Tri-Captain, Doug Risebrough led the Flames to his fifth Stanley Cup Final as a player. They eventually lost to his former team, the Canadiens, in five games.
- Franchise
- Calgary Flames
- Status
- Former player and assistant coach
- First Calgary Season
- 1982-83
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Risebrough's time with the Flames began with a trade on September 11, 1982, after eight seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout his career, Risebrough was an agitator, often assigned to pester the opponents' top players. In one famous chapter of the Battle of Alberta, Risebrough, while playing with the Flames, fought with Marty McSorley. Risebrough lost the fight, but ended up with McSorley's jersey, which he shredded with his skates. In 1986, as a Tri-Captain, he led the Flames to his fifth Stanley Cup Final as a player, where they lost to his former team, the Canadiens, in five games.
In Their Own Story
The 1986 Stanley Cup Final was a homecoming of sorts for Risebrough. After winning four consecutive Stanley Cup titles with the Canadiens from 1976 through 1979, he now faced them as the tri-captain of the Calgary Flames. The series went five games, with the Canadiens ultimately taking the championship. Risebrough's role as an agitator was on full display, as he was assigned to pester Montreal's top players. Though the Flames fell short, the run marked the fifth time Risebrough had reached the Stanley Cup Final as a player.
Reader's Guide
For fans looking to understand Risebrough's impact on the Flames, focus on his leadership and grit. He was a co-captain (1983–84) and then tri-captain (1984–87) alongside Lanny McDonald and Jim Peplinski. His style as an agitator made him a key figure in the Battle of Alberta, most memorably when he fought Marty McSorley and shredded his jersey with his skates. The 1986 playoff run, where the Flames reached the Stanley Cup Final, was the highlight of his playing tenure in Calgary. After retiring following the 1986–87 season, Risebrough served two seasons as an assistant coach with the Flames, helping guide Calgary to the 1989 Stanley Cup championship, his fifth Stanley Cup championship as a player or coach.
Did You Know?
- Risebrough was traded to the Calgary Flames on September 11, 1982.
- In 1986, as a Tri-Captain, he led the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final, losing to his former team, the Canadiens, in five games.
- After retiring as a player following the 1986–87 season, he served as an assistant coach for the Flames and helped guide them to the 1989 Stanley Cup championship.
- In one famous Battle of Alberta moment, Risebrough fought Marty McSorley, lost the fight, but shredded McSorley's jersey with his skates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Doug Risebrough?
He was the head coach who guided the franchise during its relocation from Atlanta to Calgary. Risebrough holds the distinction of being the first man to lead the Flames on home ice in Alberta.
What season did he start coaching in Calgary?
His tenure began with the 1980-81 campaign, which marked the team's inaugural year in their new city. This period was crucial for establishing a local identity after moving from Georgia.
Why is Doug Risebrough important to Flames history?
He represents the foundational years of the franchise before later dynastic success took hold. His leadership helped stabilize the roster during the challenging transition of relocation in the early 1980s.
Did he coach the team while they were still in Atlanta?
Yes, Risebrough served as head coach prior to the move and continued into the first Calgary season. This continuity made him a key figure in bridging the two distinct eras of the franchise.
What legacy does he leave behind?
He is remembered as a historical legend for navigating the early struggles of building a fanbase in Alberta. His work laid the groundwork for future success despite the initial hardships of relocation.
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