Pat Quinn, a former NHL player, coach and executive, dies after long illness

Then-Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Pat Quinn answers questions in Toronto on April 19, 2004. (Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

VANCOUVER - Former NHL player, coach and executive Pat Quinn has died at age 71.

The Vancouver Giants, on behalf of his family, confirmed that Quinn died Sunday night in Vancouver after a long illness.

Quinn was co-owner of the Western Hockey League team.

Quinn played parts of nine seasons in the NHL and went on to enjoy a long coaching career.

He coached the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Quinn also guided Team Canada to the gold medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.