Gerry McNeil

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Gerald George McNeil (April 17, 1926June 17, 2004) is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who won two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s.

While Gerald is a three-time cup winner, fans will forever remember the Québec City, Québec native for two Cup-winning goals he gave up: to the Toronto Maple Leafs' Bill Barilko (1951), and a shot by Detroit Red Wings player Tony Leswick that was deflected by teammate Doug Harvey into the Canadiens goal (1954). McNeil was so frustrated by the Harvey own-goal, he retired to coach junior hockey the next season, but returned to the Habs in 1956 to earn his second Cup as back-up to Hall of Famer Jacques Plante (1956–1957). During the 1958 playoffs McNeil was called up as spare goalie by Montreal, His name was engraved on the Stanley Cup, but he did not play. His last game in the NHL was during the 1956–57 regular season.

The Canadiens announced that McNeil died at Saint-Luc Hospital in Montreal, but didn't give the cause of death.