Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

Glen Sonmor born April 22, 1929 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan was a NHL hockey player who played two seasons for the New York Rangers. Sonmor served as coach at the University of Minnesota behind Sonmor's mentor John Mariucci from 1966 through 1971 with a record of 76-77-5 at the U of M. After leaving the Gophers Sonmor joined the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the WHA as coach and general manager in 1972. Sonmor gave up his coaching duties in the middle of the 1972-73 season but continued with the franchise as general manager until the "first" Fighting Saints folded in 1976. In late 1976 the WHA's Cleveland Crusaders moved to St. Paul and changed their name to the "New" Minnesota Fighting Saints, at this time Sonmor was againreinstated as the New Saints' coach and general manager. The Saints would cease operations for good in January 1977. Sonmor later coached the WHA's Birmingham Bulls. He was also selected by general manager of the North Stars, Lou Nanne, to coach the Minnesota North Stars. Sonmor coached for the Minnesota North Stars 3 different times from 1979-1983, 1984-1985, and 1986-1987, with a record of 174-161-82 in 417 games with the Stars. His coaching highlight was leading the Stars to the 1981 Stanley Cup Finals, only to lose in five games to the New York Islanders. Sonmor also served as the coach in the 1982 All-Star game. Glens career with the North Stars was overshadowed by several bar fights, and alcoholism that ultimately led him away time and time again from his coaching duties to enter care unit treatment for alcoholism. Sonmor was quoted as saying in 1983 ''I am emotionally burned out,''  and later resigned as coach of the North Stars. Sonmor lost an eye playing hockey which ultimately led to his NHL career being cut short. In 2006 Glen, along with former Gopher Hockey player Reed Larson, was named as a recipient of the Lester Patrick Award by the National Hockey League. The Lester Patrick Trophy is an annual award presented for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. Eligible recipients are players, officials, coaches, executives, and referees.   

Today, Sonmor works for the Minnesota Wild as an amateur scout since the Wilds inception into the NHL. Glen is responsible for scouting amateur talent for the club in preparation for the NHL Entry Draft.  He currently resides in Bloomington, MN and is a radio analyst for all the Minnesota Golden Gopher hockey games on KSTP (AM 1500) radio with his partner Wally Shaver. Sonmor can usually be found walking the halls at Mariucci Arena following Gophers Hockey home games.