Tom McVie, who coached the Winnipeg Jets to the 1979 World Hockey Association championship before moving on to a head-coaching career in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, died at the age of 89.

Somber news for the Black and Gold: the passing of former assistant coach Tom McVie, the inimitable hockey lifer with a deep voice and a deeper treasure trove of jokes and stories. He was 89.

Tom McVie, a Boston Bruins ambassador who coached the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, died at the age of 89.

BOSTON – I’ve said it and wrote it time and again about Tom McVie – he was the best storyteller in the hockey world. It’s not even close. You mention his name to anyone who knew him and immediately that person would attempt to tell a story and imitate McVie’s scratchy, deep voice. McVie passed away Sunday night. He was 89.

He also coached the Washington Capitals, compiling an overall NHL record of 126-263 with 73 ties in parts of eight seasons from 1975-92.