Terry O'Reilly
Terence Joseph James O'Reilly (born June 7, 1951) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach, best known for his 14-season tenure as a right winger with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL), where he earned the nickname "Taz" for his aggressive, enforcer-style play reminiscent of the Tasmanian Devil.[1][2] Drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft by the Bruins from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey Association, O'Reilly debuted in the 1971–72 season and became a cornerstone of the team's "Big Bad Bruins" era under coach Don Cherry.[1][3] Over 891 regular-season games—all with Boston—he recorded 204 goals, 402 assists, and 606 points, while accumulating 2,095 penalty minutes, ranking him among the league's most penalized players of his time.[1][4] O'Reilly's playing career highlighted his blend of physicality and skill, serving as a protective leader on lines alongside centers like Don Marcotte and Peter McNab, contributing to the Bruins' reputation for toughness in the 1970s.[2] He reached his offensive peak in the 1977–78 season with 29 goals and 61 assists for 90 points, earning selection to his second NHL All-Star Game (his first was in 1975), and helped the team advance to three Stanley Cup Finals (1974, 1977, and 1978), though they fell short each time against the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.[1][2] Notable for his willingness to fight opponents like Dave Schultz, Paul Holmgren, and Clark Gillies, O'Reilly also gained fame for a 1979 incident when he climbed over the glass at Madison Square Garden to defend teammate Stan Jonathan from an attacking New York Rangers fan, resulting in an eight-game suspension but cementing his status as a fierce competitor.[2] Appointed team captain in 1983, he retired at the end of the 1984–85 season, after which the Bruins honored him by retiring his number 24 jersey on October 24, 2002.[1][2] Transitioning to coaching, O'Reilly returned to the Bruins as head coach midway through the 1986–87 season, replacing Butch Goring, and led the team for three full seasons with a record of 115 wins, 86 losses, and 26 ties.[5][6] Under his guidance, Boston reached the 1988 Stanley Cup Final, where they were defeated by Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers in five games, marking the franchise's first Finals appearance since 1979.[6][5] He stepped down after the 1988–89 season to focus on family, particularly caring for his son, but his legacy endures as a symbol of the Bruins' gritty, heartfelt style, with ongoing involvement in team alumni activities and real estate, including the retirement of his junior jersey by the Oshawa Generals in 2025.[2][6][7]Early Life and Background
Family and Upbringing
Terry O'Re Reilly was born on June 7, 1951, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.[8] His parents, Audrey and Jim O'Reilly, were of Irish ancestry.[9] When O'Reilly was seven years old, his family relocated from Niagara Falls to Oshawa, Ontario, where his father worked as a milkman in a working-class household.[10] Growing up in Oshawa's close-knit community, he developed an early interest in sports, particularly through local minor hockey programs that provided his initial organized exposure to the game.[11] As his hockey career began to take shape, O'Reilly continued his education on a part-time basis at the University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, and Boston University during his early professional transitions.[10]Introduction to Hockey and Junior Career
Terry O'Reilly initially took up ice hockey as a goaltender during his early years in Oshawa, Ontario, but at age 13, during his bantam year, he switched positions to forward due to his rapid physical growth and the needs of his team.[12] This transition, facilitated by coach Alan Bathe, allowed O'Reilly to leverage his increasing size and competitive drive more effectively on the ice, marking a pivotal shift that aligned with his emerging style as a physical, energetic player.[12] O'Reilly honed his skills in junior hockey with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) from 1968 to 1971, playing three seasons and appearing in 154 games overall.[3] In his rookie season of 1968-69, he recorded 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 46 games, showing steady improvement the following year with 13 goals and 36 assists for 49 points in 54 games during 1969-70.[8] His most productive campaign came in 1970-71, when he captained the team and achieved a personal best of 23 goals and 42 assists for 65 points in 54 games, demonstrating his growing offensive contributions alongside a physical presence that included 151 penalty minutes.[10] Facing a key crossroads after his second junior season, O'Reilly declined a scholarship offer from St. Louis University in 1969 to stay with the Generals, believing it would enhance his visibility and prospects for the NHL draft.[10] This decision paid off, as his leadership and performance as Oshawa's captain in 1970-71 caught the eye of scouts, leading to his selection by the Boston Bruins 14th overall in the first round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft.[10]Professional Playing Career
Entry into the NHL and Boston Bruins Years
Terry O'Reilly made his NHL debut on April 2, 1972, appearing in a single game for the Boston Bruins against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Garden, where he scored his first career goal in a 6–4 victory.[13] Drafted 14th overall by the Bruins in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft following a standout junior career with the Oshawa Generals, O'Reilly transitioned quickly from the American Hockey League's Boston Braves, where he had contributed to their 1971–72 regular-season title.[1] O'Reilly spent his entire 14-season NHL career (1971–1985) exclusively with the Boston Bruins, appearing in 891 regular-season games and establishing himself as a durable right winger known for his tenacity on the ice.[1] His tenure coincided with a competitive era for the Bruins, who advanced deep into the playoffs multiple times, including reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 1974 against the Philadelphia Flyers, where O'Reilly played all 16 games and recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, in 1977 against the Montreal Canadiens, where O'Reilly recorded 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points in 14 games, and again in 1978 against the Montreal Canadiens, contributing 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 15 games as Boston fell in six games.[1] During the 1977–78 season, O'Reilly achieved his career peak, scoring 29 goals and accumulating 90 points in 80 games, leading the team in scoring that year and helping propel the Bruins to the Finals.[1] In recognition of his leadership and longevity, O'Reilly was named the Bruins' captain for the 1983–84 and 1984–85 seasons, succeeding Wayne Cashman and guiding the team through its final years of his playing career before his retirement at age 33 following the 1984–85 season.[14]Playing Style, Key Moments, and Leadership Role
Terry O'Reilly was renowned for his role as an enforcer on the ice, characterized by a relentless, physical style that emphasized hard hits, aggressive forechecking, and willingness to engage in fights to protect teammates.[15][16] His tenacious play earned him the nicknames "Bloody O'Reilly," reflecting the blood often spilled in his battles, and "Taz," after the frenzied Tasmanian Devil cartoon character, due to his high-energy, charging presence.[16] Over his 14-season NHL career with the Boston Bruins, O'Reilly amassed 204 goals, 402 assists, and 606 points in 891 games, alongside 2,095 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of +222, underscoring his dual contribution as both a scorer and a defensive stalwart who elevated team performance.[1] One of the most notorious moments in O'Reilly's career occurred on December 23, 1979, at Madison Square Garden during a game against the New York Rangers. After a 4-3 Bruins victory, a Rangers fan struck forward Stan Jonathan with a rolled-up program from the stands, drawing blood and grabbing his stick, prompting O'Reilly to lead several teammates, including Mike Milbury, into the crowd to confront the assailant and defend their colleague.[17] The altercation, in which Milbury beat the fan with the fan's own shoe, resulted in an eight-game suspension for O'Reilly from the NHL, highlighting the intense rivalries and O'Reilly's fierce loyalty amid the era's rough-and-tumble hockey culture.[18] As a leader, O'Reilly exemplified the Bruins' "Big Bad" ethos, serving as team captain from 1983 to 1985 and instilling a culture of toughness, accountability, and mutual support among players.[19][20] He mentored younger teammates both on and off the ice, fostering a locker room environment where physical play complemented skill, which helped propel the Bruins to Stanley Cup Finals appearances during his tenure.[15] In recognition of his enduring impact and leadership, the Boston Bruins retired his No. 24 jersey on October 24, 2002, in a ceremony at the FleetCenter, honoring his embodiment of the franchise's gritty spirit.[21]Coaching and Management Roles
Head Coaching Stint with the Bruins
After retiring as a player in 1985, Terry O'Reilly transitioned into broadcasting for the Boston Bruins before being appointed head coach on November 14, 1986, midway through the 1986–87 season, following the dismissal of Butch Goring.[22] General manager Harry Sinden praised O'Reilly's dedication and emotional leadership as key factors in the decision, noting his unparalleled commitment to the organization during his playing days as captain.[22] O'Reilly's initial contract was subject to review at the end of the season, but he guided the team to a strong finish, posting a 34–27–6 record in his partial debut year.[5] Over his full tenure from 1986 to 1989, O'Reilly compiled a regular-season record of 115 wins, 86 losses, and 26 ties in 227 games, achieving a .564 points percentage.[5] His most notable success came in the 1987–88 season, when the Bruins won the Adams Division title with a 44–30–6 mark and advanced through the playoffs by defeating the Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and New Jersey Devils to claim the Prince of Wales Conference championship.[23] In the Adams Division Final, Boston ended the Canadiens' streak of 18 consecutive playoff series victories over the Bruins—dating back to 1946—with a 4–1 series win, highlighted by strong performances from players like Cam Neely and Steve Kasper.[24] The team reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1979 but was swept 4–0 by the Edmonton Oilers, despite a competitive effort that included close games.[24] O'Reilly's playoff record stood at 17–19–1 (.472 winning percentage) across three postseason appearances, reflecting a gritty, resilient style that echoed his playing career.[5] However, after the 1988–89 season, in which the Bruins reached the division finals but lost to Montreal, O'Reilly resigned on May 1, 1989, citing a desire to spend more time with his family after more than two demanding seasons behind the bench.[25] Sinden expressed surprise at the decision but supported O'Reilly's choice, leaving open the possibility of a future role within the organization.[25]Subsequent Coaching Positions
Following his tenure as head coach of the Boston Bruins, Terry O'Reilly returned to professional hockey coaching in a supporting role with the New York Rangers. Hired on June 12, 2002, as an assistant coach under general manager and head coach Glen Sather, O'Reilly worked alongside fellow assistant Jim Schoenfeld to help rebuild the struggling franchise.[26] His responsibilities included player development and contributing to the team's defensive strategies during the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, as the Rangers aimed to return to playoff contention.[8] O'Reilly departed the Rangers on July 6, 2004, marking the end of his formal involvement in NHL coaching.[10] He did not take on any additional head coaching positions thereafter, choosing instead to prioritize family and business pursuits in the Boston area. This decision echoed his earlier exit from the Bruins in 1989, driven by a desire to spend more time with his family.[27] Upon returning to Boston, O'Reilly entered the real estate business, building on prior entrepreneurial efforts in construction during the 1990s.[10] Although O'Reilly has maintained ties to hockey through informal advisory roles and participation in Boston Bruins alumni events, such as charity games and community outreach, these engagements have not involved official coaching duties.[28] His post-2004 focus has emphasized personal and professional life outside the bench, solidifying his legacy primarily through his playing and earlier coaching contributions.Later Life and Contributions
Business and Personal Developments
After retiring from coaching, O'Reilly operated a construction business in the Boston area throughout the 1990s.[10] He later transitioned into real estate development, including the purchase of the former Edwards Hotel on Atlantic Avenue in Salisbury in 2000.[29] By the early 2010s, he continued to engage in real estate activities while participating in Boston Bruins alumni events.[2] O'Reilly resides in Salisbury, Massachusetts.[30] He has been married twice; his first wife was Lourdes Harville, with whom he had son Evan, and his second wife is Bernadette, with whom he had son Conor.[31][9] In 1989, O'Reilly departed his head coaching position with the Bruins to provide care for Evan, who suffered from a serious liver condition from infancy.[32] Evan James O'Reilly, born August 7, 1983, battled biliary atresia and related liver disease throughout his life.[33] He became the youngest person ever elected as a selectman in Georgetown, Massachusetts, serving in the role before his death on May 22, 2018, at age 34 due to complications from the illness.[34][35] O'Reilly remained a steadfast supporter during Evan's health struggles, prioritizing family time in the years following his coaching tenure.[30] O'Reilly has appeared in popular media, notably referenced in the 1996 film Happy Gilmore as the title character's favorite hockey player for his aggressive style, earning him the nickname "The Tasmanian Devil."[16] Throughout his career and retirement, he has been an avid chess player, often carrying a portable set on road trips during his early NHL days.[32]Philanthropy, Community Work, and Family
Following the death of his son Evan in 2018 from complications of a lifelong liver disease, Terry O'Reilly has remained an active fundraiser for the American Liver Foundation, building on his long-standing involvement with the organization that began during Evan's childhood illness.[35][10] O'Reilly helped organize charity programs for the foundation, including efforts tied to annual Boston Bruins golf tournaments, to support research and awareness for liver conditions.[10][36] O'Reilly continues to engage in community work through the Boston Bruins Alumni Association, participating in fundraising events, charity hockey games, and youth programs across New England. In September 2025, the Oshawa Generals retired his junior jersey number 17 in recognition of his contributions to hockey.[7] For instance, on August 24, 2015, he threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Portland Sea Dogs minor league baseball game, where he also signed autographs and interacted with fans to promote community spirit.[37] His contributions to such initiatives earned him recognition from The Sports Museum in Boston, which honored him with a lifetime achievement award on June 21, 2005, specifically for his community service.[38][10] In his post-hockey life, O'Reilly resides in Salisbury, Massachusetts, where he maintains a family-oriented routine that prioritizes balance after decades in professional sports.[30] He remains connected to his family and local community, often participating in low-key activities that reflect his emphasis on personal well-being and ongoing ties to the region.[39]Achievements and Legacy
Awards and Honors
Terry O'Reilly was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 1975 and 1978.[40] Terry O'Reilly was inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, recognizing his early contributions as a junior player with the Oshawa Generals before his NHL career.[41] In 2005, O'Reilly received the Hockey Legacy Award from The Sports Museum in Boston, honoring his enduring impact on the sport through his playing and leadership roles with the Bruins.[38] O'Reilly was named to the Boston Bruins All-Centennial Team in 2023, selected as part of the club's commemoration of its 100th anniversary, highlighting his status among the franchise's most influential forwards.[42] The Boston Bruins retired O'Reilly's No. 24 jersey on October 24, 2002, in a ceremony at the FleetCenter, celebrating his 14 seasons of tenacious play and captaincy that defined the team's identity during the 1970s and 1980s. On September 28, 2025, the Oshawa Generals retired O'Reilly's No. 17 jersey during a pre-game ceremony at the Tribute Communities Centre, marking the eighth such honor in franchise history and acknowledging his foundational junior years from 1968 to 1971.[43]Records, Statistical Milestones, and Lasting Impact
Terry O'Reilly holds the Boston Bruins' all-time record for most penalty minutes, accumulating 2,095 over his 891-game career with the team from 1971 to 1985.[44] This mark underscores his role as one of the league's premier enforcers during an era when physicality defined NHL play, symbolizing the "Big Bad Bruins" identity of relentless toughness and team protection.[24] His willingness to engage in fights and absorb penalties not only deterred opponents but also galvanized teammates, contributing to the Bruins' intimidating reputation on the ice.[2] In terms of scoring, O'Reilly tallied 204 goals for the Bruins, placing him 20th on the franchise's all-time list as of 2025, a ranking that highlights his offensive contributions beyond his enforcer label.[45] These goals, paired with 402 assists for 606 points, demonstrate his versatility as a right winger who could drive play while serving as captain from 1983 to 1985.[19] His statistical profile reflects a player who balanced grit with skill, amassing positive plus-minus ratings and helping the team reach three Stanley Cup Finals. O'Reilly's broader legacy extends to his coaching tenure, where he led the Bruins to a pivotal 4-1 playoff series victory over the Montreal Canadiens in 1988, snapping their 18 consecutive series wins against Boston dating back to 1946.[24] This breakthrough not only advanced the Bruins to the Wales Conference Final but also reinforced O'Reilly's enduring influence on the franchise's competitive spirit. His selection to the Boston Bruins All-Centennial Team in 2023 further cements this impact, recognizing him among the club's most iconic figures for embodying loyalty, leadership, and the hard-nosed ethos that defines Bruins hockey.[46] Beyond statistics, O'Reilly's lasting contributions to hockey culture persist through his active involvement with the Boston Bruins Alumni Association as of 2025, where he participates in mentorship programs, youth camps, and charitable games to preserve the sport's community roots and inspire new generations.[40] Events such as the 2025 Bruins Alumni schedule and his September 2025 jersey retirement ceremony in Oshawa, Ontario, highlight his ongoing role in fostering hockey's traditions of resilience and camaraderie.[47]Career Statistics
Regular Season and Playoff Playing Stats
Terry O'Reilly began his organized hockey career in the Ontario Hockey Association's junior league with the Oshawa Generals, where he developed his physical playing style while improving his offensive contributions over three seasons. In 1968–69, he recorded 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 46 games, accumulating 87 penalty minutes. His production increased in 1969–70 to 13 goals, 36 assists, and 49 points in 54 games, with 60 penalty minutes, including 1 goal and 5 assists in 6 playoff games. O'Reilly peaked in junior during the 1970–71 season, tallying 23 goals, 42 assists, and 65 points in 54 games, alongside 151 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a promising power forward.[3] Following his junior career, O'Reilly transitioned to professional hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Boston Braves, the top minor-league affiliate of the Boston Bruins, during the 1971–72 season. He appeared in 60 regular-season games, scoring 9 goals and 8 assists for 17 points while racking up 134 penalty minutes, reflecting his enforcer role. In the Calder Cup playoffs, O'Reilly contributed 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points in 9 games, with 31 penalty minutes.[3] O'Reilly made his NHL debut with the Bruins in 1971–72, appearing in one game where he scored a goal. Over his 14-year NHL career, entirely with Boston from 1972 to 1985, he established himself as a gritty, two-way winger known for his hitting and leadership on the ice. His regular-season totals include 891 games played, 204 goals, 402 assists, 606 points, a +222 plus/minus rating, and 2,095 penalty minutes. O'Reilly's scoring peaked in the late 1970s, with four 20-goal seasons and a career-high 90 points (29 goals, 61 assists) in 1977–78, during which he also led the league with 211 penalty minutes. The following table summarizes his NHL regular-season statistics year by year:| Season | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971–72 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +3 |
| 1972–73 | 72 | 5 | 22 | 27 | 109 | +27 |
| 1973–74 | 76 | 11 | 24 | 35 | 94 | +30 |
| 1974–75 | 68 | 15 | 20 | 35 | 146 | +15 |
| 1975–76 | 80 | 23 | 27 | 50 | 150 | +3 |
| 1976–77 | 79 | 14 | 41 | 55 | 147 | +38 |
| 1977–78 | 77 | 29 | 61 | 90 | 211 | +42 |
| 1978–79 | 80 | 26 | 51 | 77 | 205 | +9 |
| 1979–80 | 71 | 19 | 42 | 61 | 265 | +19 |
| 1980–81 | 77 | 8 | 35 | 43 | 223 | +4 |
| 1981–82 | 70 | 22 | 30 | 52 | 213 | +24 |
| 1982–83 | 19 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 40 | +17 |
| 1983–84 | 58 | 12 | 18 | 30 | 124 | +9 |
| 1984–85 | 63 | 13 | 17 | 30 | 168 | –18 |
| Total | 891 | 204 | 402 | 606 | 2095 | +222 |
| Season | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972–73 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1 |
| 1973–74 | 16 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 38 | +2 |
| 1974–75 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | +1 |
| 1975–76 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 25 | –4 |
| 1976–77 | 14 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 28 | –2 |
| 1977–78 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 40 | +11 |
| 1978–79 | 11 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 25 | +6 |
| 1979–80 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 69 | –2 |
| 1980–81 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 0 |
| 1981–82 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 56 | +5 |
| 1983–84 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | –2 |
| 1984–85 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | –2 |
| Total | 108 | 25 | 42 | 67 | 335 | +14 |
Coaching Records and Performance Metrics
Terry O'Reilly's head coaching tenure with the Boston Bruins spanned parts of three NHL seasons from 1986 to 1989, during which he compiled a regular-season record of 115 wins, 86 losses, and 26 ties over 227 games, yielding a .564 winning percentage.[5] In the 1986–87 season, O'Reilly took over mid-season and led the Bruins to a 34–27–6 record, accumulating 74 points and securing third place in the Adams Division; the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing 4–0 to the Montreal Canadiens.[48] The following year, 1987–88, the Bruins improved to 44–30–6 with 94 points for second in the division, advancing through the playoffs to the Stanley Cup Finals before falling 4–0 to the Edmonton Oilers.[23] O'Reilly's final season as head coach, 1988–89, saw the Bruins finish 37–29–14 for 88 points and second place in the Adams Division; they defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4–1 in the division semifinals but lost 4–1 to the Montreal Canadiens in the division finals.[49] Overall, under O'Reilly's leadership, the Bruins played 34 playoff games, posting a 17–17 record (.500 winning percentage).[5] The following table summarizes his regular-season head coaching records:| Season | Team | GP | W | L | T | PTS | Finish | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986–87 | BOS | 67 | 34 | 27 | 6 | 74 | 3rd, Adams | Lost Division Semis (0–4 vs. MTL) |
| 1987–88 | BOS | 80 | 44 | 30 | 6 | 94 | 2nd, Adams | Lost Stanley Cup Final (0–4 vs. EDM) |
| 1988–89 | BOS | 80 | 37 | 29 | 14 | 88 | 2nd, Adams | Lost Division Finals (1–4 vs. MTL) |
| Total | 227 | 115 | 86 | 26 | 256 | 17–17 (.500) |