Keith Magnuson

**Keith Magnuson** (born Keith Arlen Magnuson on April 27, 1947 in Wadena, Saskatchewan, Canada) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks.

## Playing Career

Keith played for the Saskatoon Blades at the age of 17 before receiving a hockey scholarship to the University of Denver where he helped the Pioneers to the NCAA championship in 1968 and 1969.

He joined the Chicago Black Hawks for the 1969–70 season and led the NHL in penalty minutes in his first two seasons. Although he didn't score many goals, he was a part of a solid defensive team with the Blackhawks.

For a few seasons, Keith was captain of the Blackhawks. In April 1970, he appeared on the cover of "Sports Illustrated" magazine.

In 1971 and 1972, he played in the NHL All-Star Game. He never played for a Stanley Cup winner, losing in the finals twice in 1971 and 1973 both to the Montreal Canadiens.

## Coaching Career

After his retirement in 1979 due to knee injuries, Keith became an assistant coach for the Black Hawks and was promoted to head coach for the 1980-81 season, compiling a 49-57-26 record in 132 games.

## Post-Playing Career

Upon retirement, Keith continued to live in the Chicago area and worked as an executive for Coca-Cola.

He also helped establish the Blackhawks alumni association, and made frequent guest appearances at hockey events and various functions.

## Death

On December 15, 2003, fellow NHL player Rob Ramage was driving Keith to an NHLPA players' alumni meeting when his rented Chrysler Intrepid swerved into the oncoming lane and collided with another vehicle, killing him and injuring the driver of the other vehicle.

Ramage was charged with impaired driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death. Defence lawyer Brian Greenspan claimed the blood & urine tests were flawed, and the smell of alcohol came from beer cans that exploded after the crash.

On October 10, 2007, Ramage was found guilty on all counts. The Magnuson family had forgiven Ramage and urged the judge not to send him to prison, instead suggesting that Ramage speak to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving.

On December 3, 2007, in a Missouri civil suit, Ramage and National Car Rental of Canada were found liable for the death of Magnuson. Keith's family was awarded $9.5 million.

On January 17, 2008, Ramage was sentenced to four years in prison. Legal experts described the sentence as the harshest ever handed out in Ontario to a motorist with no previous record for drinking and driving. He remained free on bail until his appeal of the sentence was denied on July 12, 2010.

On November 12, 2008, the Chicago Blackhawks retired his number 3 (along with Hall of Fame defenceman Pierre Pilote) before a game against the Boston Bruins.

## Personal Life

Keith grew up in Wadena, Saskatchewan, Canada. His family moved to Saskatoon when he was 10 years old. He was the great uncle to Major League Baseball pitcher Trystan Magnuson and uncle to former Canadian Football League player, Quinn Magnuson.

His son, Kevin was a member of the 1998 NCAA Ice Hockey Championship team at the University of Michigan; he is now a NHLPA registered player agent & lawyer.